Heart of the Wild

Rita Hestand
Smashwords Edition
Heart of the Wild
Copyright© 2009-2013 Rita Hestand
All rights reserved
Digital ISBN: 9781452303284

Other Books by Rita:
Chief Cook & Bottlewasher
Courting Abby
Hannah's Man
Along Came Love

License Notes
This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be resold or given away to other people. Please purchase an additional copy for each person you share with. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return it and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of the author.

This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.



Dedication:


This book is dedicated to all the soldiers who are fighting for our country and to keep us free. Especially to Rusty Rolandson, my grandson, the Marine.

 
Prologue


"Dammit, why me?"
"You're the only one I could ask. The only one I would ask such a thing of."
"Hang on, John," Chayton shouted into the phone, and then let it dangle as he stepped outside the confines of the small phone booth. He had to get some air. Put some distance between himself and that phone conversation.
Kidnapping…Lord, what had he gotten himself into? Chayton Amory paced the area, oblivious to the cold north wind that threatened an early winter in his Oregon Mountains, as his mind ran rampant over John's last words. Finally, he jerked the door open and grabbed the receiver with a vengeance.
He hated being put in such a position, but there was only one answer, and he already knew it.
"Okay, John, you win. I'll do it, against my better judgment."
"I knew I could count on you."
Amory rolled his eyes skyward, as he bit his tongue to keep from swearing. If it had been anyone but John Douglas III, he would have given a flat refusal and hung up. John was the only man big enough to ask such a thing of him. Chayton loved and respected him. John knew that, and used it. Still, when Chayton had lost his parents in a boating accident ten years ago, John had been there for him and Tanka. He couldn't refuse him. And John knew it.
 "All I want you to do is go get Kasie before the wedding, and bring her back to the cabin so I can talk to her."
Chayton held his silence, as his long, hard body shrugged with the weight of his decision. Just the sound of her name sent an unwelcome reaction through his entire system.
"Look, I know what I'm asking of you, but something tells me I've got to stop this." Emotion filled John's voice. Emotion and John didn't mix.
"John, Kasie's a big girl, now."
"You don't understand. He's a rock star, for crying out loud. Can you imagine our Kasie falling for a rock star?" John nearly shouted. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't be taking this out on you. I just feel so damned helpless. Okay, look, I'll level with you. I ran a check on this Rick Springer fella. And on the surface he looks okay, but I dug a little deeper and found out he has a violent temper. He's had a few fights, been arrested once. Of course, they covered that up from the press. I've got to find out if he's taken that temper out on Kasie. Until I know for sure, she's not marrying the son-of—"
"I can understand your concern, but…" Despite his resolve not to care, hairs on the back of Amory's neck raised at this news. Hitting a woman was about as low as they came in Chayton Amory's books. Rick Springer's name suddenly tasted like acid on his tongue.
"I've done my best to stay out of her life, since the day she walked out on us, but I'm still her father. I love her."
John's voice broke again. Chayton cleared his throat and adjusted his stance. The emotion in John's voice had Chayton feeling downright guilty for not wanting to do this for the man. The break in John's voice was real, and clarified his position.
"I'm sure Ava's taken advantage of the fact that she's controlling things. I expect she was the one that convinced Kasie to change her name to Moore, Ava's maiden name. I never thought Kasie would go that far to be rid of me. I mean, I raised that kid, not Ava." 
"I know, John. And you did a good job. Don't berate yourself for that. But she's a grown woman, and sometimes we can't change things, even if they are for the better."
"Look, I don't care if you have to hog tie and drag her to get her up there, just do it." When Amory didn't respond, John continued. "I don't know if this is right or wrong, Chayton. She may never forgive me for it. I only know I can't stand by and do nothing."
His concern was genuine, Chayton knew that much. No one loved his kid like John. "She's my only daughter, just like you're the closest I've had to a son. I'd do the same for you if you were in a bad position." "I appreciate that, but I don't think you realize what you're asking me to do."
"Aw, I know how it gets under your skin, but that was a long time ago. I know this puts you in an awkward position, but I'm concerned for her safety now."
"Look, maybe she'll walk out on him." 
"I aim to see she does."

~*~

Kasie balanced the phone on her shoulder as she stirred the batter with her other hand.
"But Mother, I've already explained, I can't afford to come early. I've got my work–"
 "Nonsense, of course you can! I've already paid for your ticket, and I don't want to hear another word about it, Kasie. I've reserved a suite for you at the hotel."
Kasie gripped the phone tighter in her hand. "A suite, but I don't need a suite, Mother! Rick and I talked about a small wedding. It could still be beautiful, still have flowers and a big cake, but just don't invite so many people."
"Now Kasie, stop being so difficult, will you? Let me do this for you, darling. It's the only wedding I'll get to throw, so let me do it right. Besides, can you imagine what the papers would say if we threw a small inconspicuous wedding for Rick Springer. His fans might maul you to death."
Kasie didn't answer. That part was true.
"I'll admit I wasn't all for this in the beginning, but I never imagined so many people knew him. I mean, people my age, for goodness sake! He's a sensation out here, darling. Everyone is talking about him, taking pictures, wanting the story of how the two of you met. The photographers are everywhere, and wondering where his bride-to-be is. I want everything to be so perfect for you. Oh, I can't wait! We've so much shopping to do!"
Her mother's voice dripped with excitement. "Shopping?" Kasie screeched, her fist coming down on the counter so hard that it vibrated the bowls. "But you know I hate shopping."
"Of course you don't hate shopping; you're a woman, aren't you? Now, it's all arranged; you'll fly out tonight."
Kasie sighed, wanting to argue, but knowing it was useless. "Okay, Mama. I'll call my boss and see what I can do."
 Feeling that same old queasiness in her stomach at giving in so easily to her mother, Kasie's smile began to fade. But she was tired of arguing with her over trivial things.
"What? I told you never to use that expression, it's so…country."
Mama? Kasie grimaced. Her mother hated the sound of that word. She considered it a hick abbreviation. "I'm sorry, Mother, it just slipped out."
"You would think, after all this time, you would have acquired some sophistication. I guess growing up with your father is to blame."
"You can't blame it on Dad." Kasie defended her dad, for some strange reason. She hadn't even seen her father in eight years. Besides, I liked calling you that, she mouthed silently into the phone. She somehow felt that this wedding was bringing her closer to her mother.
And she wanted that.
"You're forgiven, darling. It's not your fault. Well, I'll expect you on the 10:40 flight from Dallas, then."
"Did you send Dad a wedding invitation?"
"Good Lord, no. After what he did to you? Trying to marry you off to that-that logger creature. He doesn't deserve an invitation. He'll hear about it soon enough, I'm sure. And he'll probably be livid, knowing how he likes to control things."
Kasie rolled her eyes at the effigy her mother's voice conjured. "You're probably right, Mother. As usual."
"Of course I am, dear. Now, we're set then. Giles will pick you up at the airport and bring you to the hotel. All you have to do is be on the 10:40, darling."
"I really don't think I can make it that quickly. I'm right in the middle of baking a cake for Mrs. Thompson, down the hall. I haven't finished packing, I'll have to call my boss; I've so many things to take care of."
"Mrs. Thompson? Who's that? Do I know her?"
"My neighbor down the hall, you've met her, but I doubt you remember. She's going to be keeping an eye on my apartment while I'm gone. And she promised to water my plants for me. She's very old, and not in the best of health. She loves sweets."
"Why in heaven's name didn't you just buy one, if you had to do something for her?"
"Because, it's not the same. I wanted to do something special for her, and I am a pretty good baker. I enjoy cooking. I intend to do a lot of it, once I'm married."
"Well, I don't know why you bother. Rick certainly can afford the best restaurants in town. But bake it if you must, and get packed. I just don't feel like arguing tonight. I'm too excited."
"All right, but if I don't get off the phone now, I'll never make the 10:40." Kasie tried to sound anxious.
Another battle lost, Kasie sighed as she hung up the phone. She looked at the phone as though it were the enemy. In eight years the only thing she knew for sure was that her life was not her own. It never had been. It looked as though it never would be. Even marrying Rick wouldn't change things. She was being manipulated, and she hated it. Both her parents had spent most of her life trying to control her.
Her hands still shook as she poured the batter into the pan.
Perhaps marrying Rick would eventually bring her independence from her meddling parents. Yet, she somehow doubted it.
Ava hadn't liked Rick at first, but Kasie had stood firm when she announced they were going to be married. So Ava finally gave in, and threw herself into arranging the wedding. He might only be a rock star, but he was very popular, and made very good money, Kasie had informed her. Ava couldn't deny that. And as long as Ava had some control over her daughter, things went smoothly.
After placing the cake in the oven, Kasie went into the living room. She'd felt restless and edgy all week, not having a clue as to why.
Seeing Rick's picture on the mantle, Kasie sighed again. Most women swooned at the sight of Rick Springer. Most women! She hadn't swooned over a man since—since eight years ago. Since Chayton Amory! At least this relationship was based on something solid—trust and understanding. Who needed love?
Running her fingers over the picture, she wondered why she didn't feel elated about the wedding or Rick. She should miss him by now. She hadn't seen him in over two weeks. He'd flown to Los Angeles for a concert and photo layout for his next album. So why didn't she feel lonesome? Why didn't her heart jump when looking at his picture? Wedding jitters, that's all it was, she told herself as she turned Rick's picture over and placed it face down.
Yet, deep in her heart, she knew there was another reason.


Chapter One


"Silly bird, look what you made me do." Kasie Moore glanced at the seagull that continued to circle above. He seemed more interested in her red ball cap than the fish in the sea, she decided as she bent to retrieve her wet cap from the edge of the shore. "Go build your nest with someone else's cap," she muttered aloud, as she cast the bird a quick appraisal.
Wiping her wet hands on her fish-smeared jeans, she curled her braid back into the ball cap, and slipped it on top of her head.
She didn't know why she felt so grouchy this morning, yelling at a seagull. Perhaps lack of caffeine did it. Rick insisted she needed to lay off coffee. She had tried, but this morning she could almost smell that beautiful blend perking through the lobby of the hotel.
Didn't Rick realize people needed a few bad habits?
He meant well, though. She shouldn't be mad. It was for her own good. Now, who did that sound like? Her parents! Funny, she'd never seen that comparison before.
The Pacific waters stretched forever against an early awakening of the California horizon. Kasie sighed with contentment, as her gaze swept the skies. The warm, blue-green blanket of water teased the shore as the gentle breeze whimpered an early winter, and the pungent sea air tickled her nose.
Then without warning, everything changed. The magnificent glow of pre-dawn faded. Her red ball cap suddenly disappeared as her head was covered with what felt like a dirty knitted cap. She felt herself being hefted and effortlessly flung against a solid form. Bouncing first one way, then another, on what felt like tremendously strong shoulders, Kasie struggled. Bone and muscle meshed. A corduroy jacket rubbed where her damp sweatshirt rose up from her waist. It felt soft, against a man that was obviously neither. A whiff of pine and woods and clean earth floated about her nose as she twisted her head and struggled with the musky old cap that had been crammed over her head and face.
She grabbed at her neck, and realized the cap had been tied and knotted with a string.
Hair tickled her belly as the man's head turned several times, as though he might be looking for direction. It had to be one of the guy's in Rick's band, playing a joke.
"This is cute. Is Rick having me abducted?"
There was no answer. She formed a tight fist, and let the first punch fly. A grown man should know better.
No answer came, although she thought she heard the man mumble something incoherent under his breath. A dead silence prevailed, and still he kept walking. His gait was light, springy, as though traveling up and down hills on foot were nothing to him. As though carrying her over his shoulder were nothing!
"Let me go! This isn't funny!" Kasie yelled seconds later from under the thick knitted cap that smothered her words like an audio tape gone badly. She had never liked practical jokes, although Rick had been known to pull some.
"Get this dirty thing off my face!" She struggled for clean air. Tiny flecks of light filtered through the cap, but she still couldn't see. If this was Rick's idea of a prank, she didn't like it.
 Her words choked her, as she blindly struggled against the man.
Kasie heard him rumble with what had to be laughter, and an odd sense of knowing hit the pit of her stomach. For a moment, her memory jangled, then left her again as she continued to struggle.
Something about this man seemed familiar. She couldn't put her finger on it, but there was something. Panic stricken, her mind reeled with possibilities. Most kidnappers were not strangers. At least that was what she'd heard on one of those news talk shows. Thank God, she'd paid attention.
Okay, so the trick was to stay alert. Use the senses, she remembered. She heard the shoreline disappearing into the distance. He walked up a steep incline. It had to be the hill directly above the beach. At least she still had her sense of direction.
The man hadn't even puffed. He was in better shape than most; in top form, in fact. Not brawny, but hard and lean and well acquainted with hard labor. No—he wasn't in Rick's band.
"Who are you? What do you want with me?" she demanded, as she let another punch fly just below his belt, onto a solid backside. Very solid, her mind registered.
Still there was no reaction.
Were there people about? Couldn't anyone see what was happening? He couldn't get away with this in broad daylight, could he?
Practical jokes were commonplace on the beach. Grooms snatching their brides away for a surprise dinner. 
Yet, this stranger was getting away with it.
It was barely five in the morning. Sensible people were tucked into their soft beds, sleeping. That's where her mother was. That's where Rick was, most likely. And that's where she should be. Why hadn't she been able to sleep? Why had this impending wedding disconcerted her so? Why did solitary walks and quick stolen fishing trips seem mandatory now to her? Perhaps because she hadn't wanted a wedding at all. She was happy with Rick, wasn't she? Why couldn't they just live together? People did it all the time. But then, she knew she wasn't that sophisticated. Rick loved her, didn't he? In his way. And she loved him, in her way. Wasn't that all that mattered?
No time to deliberate happiness now, as the kidnapper veered in another direction. She had to pay attention to his moves.
Still, this rock hard man would not get away with kidnapping John Douglas and Ava Moore's daughter. This beast, whoever he was, would pay. Who'd he think he was, Tarzan?
Her feet went into immediate action, coming up hard below the man's waist. He made little more than a grunt and continued on his journey. An ordinary man would have doubled over from that precise blow.
His breathing was labored now. Good, at least something affected him. She continued her assault, hoping to find a weaker spot and best him. It was possible to best a man of his strength, she remembered reading that somewhere, probably Reader's Digest. Funny how the mind seemed to escape into strange places at a time like this.
The man readjusted her, and carried her onward. His big hands clasped her feet, as he gave her one good slap on her bottom and kept moving. She yelped in surprise.
How dare he touch her bottom! But then, he might dare a lot of things, and she needed to prepare to fight him tooth and nail.
Getting a grip on the situation, Kasie tried to grasp which direction he was taking her, but he seemed to be walking in circles, until she became totally confused. Obviously, he wanted to confuse her. He was a very smart man; she must never underestimate him.
The only thing she was sure of was that he carried her away from the beach. The sting of the salty air disappearing told her that much. She heard the swish of passing cars. Could that be the coastal highway in the distance? Yes, he was at the highway now. She had to stay fully alert, and as helpful as possible in her own rescue. She would be rescued; it was only a matter of time. Her mother would have the FBI, the CIA and half the cops in California after him for this. "You can't get away with this, you idiot," she yelled as loud as she could. "An intelligent man would know this."
No response.
He obviously wasn't intelligent.
She grabbed for his hair and yanked, finding it velvety soft between her fingers, and much longer than she expected. He could be George Michaels from Rick's band; he had long hair. Only she doubted it would ever be that silky. And George certainly wasn't lean.
Who could this character be, and what did he want? Her mind scrambled for answers.
Kidnapped. She was being kidnapped! Insane! Things like this didn't happen in real life. In the movies maybe, but not in real life.
Being practically shoved into a hard seat, and hearing the door shut behind her, told her she was now in a vehicle. However, this particular vehicle seemed different, somehow. The noise from the traffic sounded louder than it should, perhaps a convertible, or a jeep?
 Kasie waited, proud that she hadn't panicked. She sat very still, waiting until she heard him getting in on the other side, and starting the motor. It had to be a jeep; no convertible would sound so loud.
Who did she know that owned a jeep? Who did she know that was built like a hard and lean block of steel? She racked her brain.
She tried another angle. Who would want to kidnap her? Just because her father, John Douglas III, was one of the ten richest men in the country, and her mother, Ava Moore was a movie legend, made her a likely target. Naturally, she'd been warned many times by both her father's close friends and her mother's bodyguard that it could happen. But what were the odds?
Who'd have the gall, knowing the wrath of her parents?
Miles down the road, after complete silence, she heard a deep, rather condescending voice rumble with suppressed laughter.
The tension in her body eased somewhat. So this was a big joke. Perhaps she should view it as such. She could take a joke as well as the next person, even though at the moment it didn't seem that funny.
But his laughter sounded oddly familiar, and when he spoke, he confirmed her worst fears. She jumped in her seat with surprise, glad he couldn't see her stunned expression. She needed time to assimilate the situation, get herself under control.
"Sorry, Kasie."
"Amory? C-Chayton Amory?" Kasie stiffened and straightened. Control; that's what she needed, lots of control.
"Back to last names again, I see. I liked it better when you called me Chay." He smiled as he gently removed the cap, and glanced at her disheveled face and hair. His eyes moved slowly over her, thoroughly, as though he enjoyed embarrassing her, or looking at her. "Nice to see you, too, Kasie. It's been a while."
"Not long enough!" she snapped. Dear God, her knees were shaking, but eight years ago, Chayton Amory had been a gangly young logging engineer. Today he was a Herculean.
She unwound the long braid of her hair, so that it dangled down her shoulders.
"So, to what do I owe this intrusion? Or should I guess, its dear old dad isn't it? Naturally, why else would you be here?"
"Guess you got me on that one," he agreed, casting her a mock frown. He watched her toss the dirty cap out the window, and chuckled again. "Sorry about that, Kasie, it's been under the seat since last winter, and I had to tie it, or you would have ripped it off, first thing. And yes, you're right. Your father wants to see you."
"Really?" She drawled dramatically. "That's too bad, because I'm busy. I've got a wedding to go to tomorrow. Mine! But then, I'm sure he's heard. Everyone has, thanks to Mother." She glanced about, but didn't recognize her surroundings. The beach was still there, but they were already miles down the road from where he'd found her.
"He's aware of it." Chayton affirmed, his eyes darting back to the highway swiftly. Something in his voice had changed, but she couldn't be sure if it was sarcasm or bitterness.
"If he wanted to talk, he should have come in person instead of sending his yes man. I would think he could at least attend my wedding in person, if he's at all interested. I suppose you are representing him? So why the dramatics? Why pull a kidnapping routine? Why scare me out of my wits?" Her voice rose to a scale even she didn't recognize.
"The Kasie I knew didn't scare that easily." 
"I'm not that Kasie anymore."
"I guess not. No dramatics, and certainly no routine, Kasie. But you're right, I am sort of kidnapping you."
Kasie turned her body toward him, a big mistake!
Her heart stopped, fluttered, and stopped again. Nothing had changed. He could still turn her upside down with one glance.
God, how she wished he was old and ugly. How she wished her fingers didn't itch to run recklessly through his thick, black-brown hair that tapered neatly past his shoulders.
Chayton Amory had stolen her heart eight years ago, and broken it. Raw pain stabbed her without warning. Memories best forgotten rushed into her head as she took in the same strong face, hawk-like nose, and stubborn set chin. Those expressive dark gray eyes looked stone cold at her—like gun metal.
"Are we going to play guessing games all morning, or are you going to tell me what this is all about?"
"It's pretty simple. He wants to talk to you." 
"Hasn't he heard of a phone?" She moved to put some distance between them, hugging the door, but the confines of the jeep were still too close, as though distance would make any difference. The whole state of California wasn't big enough for the two of them.
"Good question. One I'm sure you'll want to ask him when you see him."
 "I'll ask. In case you haven't noticed, I'm not the little, star-struck tomboy you were going to marry eight years ago. And I don't intend seeing my father, now or later. Kidnapping is a federal offense, I hope you both realize. And going anywhere you don't want to go with someone you don't want to go with…is kidnapping."
"I figured you'd see it that way." His voice held an edge, but the smile widened. "And I've noticed."
He glanced at her again, this time his eyes speaking for him.
Those damn bedroom eyes could melt a candle at two feet. Damn his magnetism. Chayton Amory looked as though he wanted to swallow her, and just that though sent butterflies through her.
"Look, don't make this anymore than what it is. He sent me to get you, that's all."
"Make it more than it is?" Hysteria wasn't far away.
"That's right, don't dramatize. You always did dramatize, Kasie. Maybe you got that from your mother. And I certainly wouldn't accuse you of being a tomboy, especially in that get-up."
How could she know that a morning fishing expedition could turn into something like this? Kasie glanced at her clothes, rolled her eyes at her tattered jeans and fish-smeared sweatshirt, and continued to try to talk sense into the man.
"Look, I'm not going with you anywhere. I've a previous engagement. Sorry. Now turn this—thing around and put me back on the beach like you found me, or you'll be sorry."
"Sorry. Your plans will have to wait. He wants to see you before the wedding not after."
 "He wants to ruin my wedding?" She gasped, numbed by her own festering rage. "Oh—this is so like him. Still trying to control me, isn't he?"
"Looks that way, doesn't it? Maybe you need to be controlled."
"You always were a male chauvinist."
He showed no signs of guilt or remorse. She cringed inwardly, seething.
"You don't seriously think you're going to get away with this, do you?"
"Afraid so." His smug confidence annoyed her further.
Flabbergasted, Kasie buttoned her lip momentarily. For the time being, she would wait and see where this was leading. The more she antagonized him, the worse this could get. She clenched her jaw tightly, till it hurt, and bit back a retort. When Amory made up his mind to do something, there was no turning back.
Oh, how she wished she had been sensible and stayed in bed this morning. She could be basking in a hot tub of fragrant water right now, waiting for the inevitable shopping spree her mother had planned.
But then she never had been sensible, and she hated shopping. She preferred showers to a long bask in the tub.
Her eyes drifted over him, reluctantly, curiously. Damn him, he was even more gorgeous than she remembered. His strong, lean frame dominated the jeep. His black jeans hugged his hips as naturally as though he'd been born in them; his jacket was a crushable soft color of faded brown, and his shirt was an oxford cotton in mint green, one of her favorite colors. His hair blew in the wind, creating an uncivilized look. Half Native American, half Irish.
 He was beyond the word handsome; hard, dark and provocative.
She wondered hysterically if she could jump from the vehicle and survive, but at this speed it would be suicide. Maybe she could step on the gas, and make him wreck the darn thing. Wild thoughts dashed through her head, but none were worth trying.
After a long while of mentally wrestling with the situation, she sighed and sat back in the seat. She wasn't beat yet, but he'd definitely won the first round.
Amory didn't stop driving until nightfall. He didn't waste idle conversation on her, either. The determined look on his face told her not to dally with him. He pulled over at a motel later that evening, eyed her, and then pulled her along with him while he registered. After treating her to a simple supper of steak and eggs, he escorted her into one of the cabins.
Once Amory had her safely inside the room, he peered down at her red, angry face with steel-edged determination.
"This all stops, now. The joke has gone far enough. I am not amused!" She tapped her foot loudly. "If you take me home this instant, we'll let bygones be bygones."
He glanced at her foot with amusement, a twinkle lighting his expressive eyes.
"Another little habit you've picked up from your mother, I suppose? Huh, Kasie? Well, cool it, and you better start lowering that pretty little nose of yours a notch or two. Snobbery doesn't become you." He glanced about the room.
"Snobbery? What did you expect, greetings and salutations? You should certainly know me better than that. I want explanations, Amory! My God, do you realize you've ruined the wedding rehearsal?" She choked as she spied the clock by the bed.
The Bed!
"Too bad. Looks like I might be ruining the wedding." He turned away from her, to gaze about the modest confines of the room. "And you'll get your explanations in due time, from your father. So save that fast and furious temper for him."
He wasn't going to listen to reason. He was being his usual calm and quiet self, obviously determined to go through with this ridiculous charade, she decided.
She spotted the phone while his back was turned, and realized the management was only a call away. Surely they could help! He wouldn't get away with this. She'd show him. She could take care of herself. Without further consideration, she dived for the telephone. A big hand suddenly gripped her wrist like a handcuff, and twisted her about. Her wrist tingled from his touch. He hadn't hurt her, just shocked her with his nearness.
Tingled? Dammit! The contact was electrical. She didn't want to tingle. She didn't want to feel anything. Especially with Chayton Amory. She'd fallen prey to his charms once; she wouldn't do it again.
"Good try, but useless."
"Just where in the hell do you think you are taking me?"
He smiled arrogantly. "Such language. You're losing your charm and good manners, too?"
When she stared at him too long, he answered her. "To my cabin in the mountains. You really should stop cussing. It isn't becoming on a woman."
"Becoming?" she screeched. "And it is on a man, I suppose?"
"Well, let's just say more expected from a man. 
"Oh…I wish I had something to throw at you. I'd show you becoming."
 Amory had stormed back into her life, unannounced and uninvited, making her tingle, and smiling smugly as though he knew it. How dare he!
"You're still a son of a—"
"Now that's the Kasie I know and love."
Silence loomed as she clamped her mouth shut. Love? How could he use the word love around her?
"You actually think you can get away with kidnapping me?"
Had her voice gone up an octave?
"Looks that way, doesn't it?" He seemed to enjoy her discomfiture.
"And to think I almost married you!"
His eyes narrowed on hers, and something stronger than fear shot through her. Awareness. Like lightning bolts, his eyes pinned her without touching her. She had pushed him too far.
Hot, uninvited tears threatened to fall. Ineffective tears. "Why are you doing this?"
"Tears, Kasie? I hadn't expected you to stoop to that. Let's don't play games. You're not crying, and I'm not buying. It's all up to you. Your father wants to see you. I'm taking you to him, that's all. Don't make it what it isn't."
She searched his handsome face long and hard. The contact stunned her. Eight years ago she had fallen in love with this man, only to realize he was wooing her because of her father's wishes. She had overheard their conversation about how pleased her father was about their impending marriage, how he had practically planned every moment between them. Well, she didn't need his planning, and she didn't need Chayton Amory. She had managed for eight years without either of them, and wanted to continue.
 Besides, she wouldn't marry a man that didn't love her. Now here he was, Chayton Amory back to ruin another wedding.
"That's not all, and you know it. You're intentionally ruining my wedding. Why?" She cried. "Is this some 'get even' trick?"
"This isn't personal," he said with a smile, and then turned away from her. For a moment he was still, his back very straight.
"Most people don't have you kidnapped to talk. Wouldn't a call have sufficed?"
"I'm sure he has his reasons."
"You haven't changed a bit, have you? Still a yes man for my father. Anything he wants. Why…what do you owe him? No matter whom it hurts, or what the circumstances. You'd do anything for my father."
He turned to look at her, his expression serious. He searched her perplexed face as though looking for answers to unasked questions.
"I'm not going to argue with you, Kasie."
"My father wants to stop this wedding, doesn't he? Okay, so why?"
"Everything should be explained in due time. In the meantime, I'm taking you to my cabin, to meet with him. I'm sorry about the way I had to do it, but it seemed the easiest way to get you away from there without a scene. Your mother would never have agreed to an untimely visit. It had to be done this way. I was sure you wouldn't come willingly if I merely stopped by and asked. Now do you understand?"
Kasie cast him a disdainful glance, then after a brief silence she questioned him. "Do you know why he wants to stop my wedding?"
There was no reply, only a look of assessment.
 "God, why can't you just open up and talk to me? You never could talk to me, could you? Okay, so who else lives in this cabin of yours?"
"Just me and, on occasion, Tanka. I'm sure you remember him, don't you? My brother?"
"Of course I remember Tanka."
After a long silence she questioned him further. "He'll be there?"
"I don't know. You know Tanka as well as me; he's never in one place too long. What difference does that make?"
What difference? Staying in a secluded cabin, in the mountains, alone with Amory was suicide to her heart.
"I'm not staying with you, anywhere," she announced without forethought.
His head jerked up, and his eyes glittered dangerously into hers, a contact she tried to avoid. His smile held her. When Amory smiled, his entire face was lit.
"Afraid?"
"Of what? You? Hardly!"
"Did you walk out on me because you were afraid? I could almost understand that."
"I didn't walk out; I ran." 
"Interesting, a woman in control of a situation never runs."
"I wasn't a woman, I was a child. And I'm sure you didn't suffer. But this little scheme won't work. I'll marry Rick with or without his or anyone else's permission. So you see, it's all for nothing."
"Let's get some sleep. We'll be there in the morning. And then you can straighten it out with you father."
In the morning? Then why had he stopped here? Why hadn't he continued to drive on?
Did he honestly think she would spend the night in a motel with him? He had to be out of his mind. Surely he wouldn't push himself on her.
 Without thinking, Kasie made a mad dash for the door. She was caught by one big hand and slung helpless against the bed. She shrieked. The bed! Her face went pale.
"What are you afraid of, Kasie?  Me or yourself?" He towered over her, glaring at her as she tried to get up and run for the door again, only this time he threw her on the bed, his body on top. A powerful body that fit against her like a glove.
"Why you …" She opened her mouth to scream.
She had to get away from him, put some distance between them, lots of distance. Otherwise...
He clamped her mouth shut with his hand.
All thoughts ceased as action took over. She bit him, hard enough to draw blood, deep enough to leave a scar. He swore as he jerked his hand away from her. First he glanced at his hand, then her, as though he didn't quite believe what she had done.
She tasted his blood, and guilt slapped her motionless. She bit back an apology while his expression held surprise.
"Now look, Kasie, stop fighting me, or you are going to be sorry," he said, reaching into his back pocket. She flinched, when he pulled out a bandanna to wrap his hand.
His gaze fastened on hers. "My God, what's happened to you, Kasie? I'm not in the habit of hitting women. You were never afraid of me before."
"You never stooped to kidnapping, before," she retorted. She stiffened and became defiant. Amory wouldn't dare hit her. She didn't care if she hurt him; it was nothing to compare with the hurt she had suffered eight years ago. She couldn't stay in this motel with him another minute.
 "Why did you stop here if we could be there by morning?"
Amory eased himself away slowly, as though she had finally asked a question he could answer. "Because, I've been working long hours to finish a logging contract, and have had little sleep. And— because I spent last night warring over whether I should come get you or not. And lastly, because I don't plan on falling asleep at the wheel, and having an accident."
"I'm not sleeping with you!"
"I don't think I invited you to."
They stood up suddenly, staring at each other across the room. Without another word, he grabbed her with his bleeding hand and pulled her out of the room, as though he, too, realized they couldn't stay the night together.
"Wait…please, I need a shower," She said with hesitation as good sense began to prevail.
"There isn't time, Kasie. We're leaving. You should have thought of that earlier. We've got to get out of here."
She realized she had to stall him. Maybe if she stalled long enough, her mother might have the police looking for her. She had to. She couldn't go with this man. Just being in the small confines of this room was too much. Desperation dogged her.
As he slammed the motel cabin door and left the key in the knob, she tried to make sense of the last few minutes. She had come alive, vibrantly, for the first time in eight years, just being near Chayton Amory again brought back all the spit and fire in her. Being in the same room with him seemed to revive her spirit.
"You actually think you'll get away with this before someone discovers what you are doing?" she rasped. He practically shoved her into the jeep, and slammed the door behind her. She scrambled to get out; he pushed her back in.
"I know I will."
"I can't believe I almost married you." 
"Neither can I!" He barked.
"If you had been a gentleman, you would have let me change clothes."
"No one ever accused me of being a gentleman." 
"How right you are."
He hesitated, and then a slow burning smile reached out to her. "Except with you," he added. This time his eyes undressed her, warmed her, taunted her. "I was always a gentleman with you."
Her face paled, "I suppose that was easy for you. You never cared about me in the first place. I was just a naive kid—a tomboy!"
"You're right about the naive kid, Kasie."


 
Chapter Two


A few hours later, Kasie found herself standing in front of a rustic structure made of raw logs. Built like an old fort, it covered several thousand feet. Its name stood boldly on a hand-painted sign above the covered porch. "Rosie's General Store." They were just on the outskirts of Eugene near the ever-famous Cascade Mountains. Kasie scanned the region with renewed interest, but there was little to see except the tall, drooping limbs of the Lodge pole pine covered with the white mass of fresh snow. Even the Douglas fir looked like green angels christened white, floating toward earth.
"I've got a few things to pick up, and we'll see about getting you something warmer to wear while we're at it. It doesn't look as though this snow is going to let up any time soon. And what you're wearing won't work."
Kasie made a face at him. "And whose fault is that?"
"Mine. Now, come on."
Kasie followed him inside. She'd never seen anything like this place in her life. It looked like something out of the old west, complete with pickle barrels and wooden Indians. There were neither painted walls nor shining floors, but all was of wood, and smelled like a green forest. The store carried everything from home-prepared canned goods, to beautiful flowered homemade quilts, hand-signed by the makers. Kasie ran a hand over the quilts.
A short, round woman, with a bouncy step and a smile wide enough to cross the Willamette River, came up to Amory and threw her arms around him. Dressed in dark navy pants and a red and white striped shirt, she wore a Captain's hat on top her red- gold curls.
"Chayton, me darlin'. Good to see you. How you been?"
Amory held the woman by the shoulders, and smiled. He talked with her for several minutes, totally ignoring Kasie. Kasie wandered off, making herself scarce. The thought of running away held temptation, but out in the boon-docks was no place to get independent. She'd wait till she got her bearings.
Engrossed in the store, she explored. Never had she seen so many different things crammed in one place. Tanned leather items lined one full wall, and the invigorating odor filled the store with an odd mixture of old and new. Saddle gear and fishing equipment came next along the back side of the store. On the opposite side was clothing of all kinds and sizes, household goods, and food. Hard to find items were handsomely displayed front and center. Kasie was amazed to find pure lye and tar soaps, and fresh honey with a honeycomb center. There were homemade ceramics, too. But the most amazing thing of all was the prices. What reasonable prices for such a tourist attraction!
"Kasie," Amory called before she wandered too far, "I want you to meet someone very special. This is Rosie O'Flannery, owner and proprietor. Also a very good friend of your father's and mine."
"So, this is John's daughter? My, she's lovely." Rosie's blue eyes danced with excitement as she spoke. What an expressive little woman! Her sultry voice and gentle face made Kasie relax a little.
 
"Now we know what they mean by the Douglas eyes, huh Chayton? The spitting image of her father. Well, darlin', I hope you enjoy your stay here."
Kasie's mouth opened to explain, but Amory stepped in quickly.
"Oh, she's not going to be staying long, Rosie. She's sort of a hostile guest. And very eager to get back home. We only stopped to pick up my supplies, and get her a coat and few things."
"Hostile? I don't understand."
"It's a long story. We won't bore you with the details. Just wanted to pick up my supplies and get a few essentials for her."
"That's too bad. I wish you'd change your mind. I don't get many visitors here, just customers, mostly, and tourists."
"Your store is fabulous." Kasie's glance wandered once more.
"Why, thank you."
The bell on the front door tinkled, and a customer walked in. Rosie quickly excused herself.
Kasie's glance strayed to the couple with three little boys that looked half frozen. Obviously they were tourists who hadn't expected this weather, either.
Amory stood close by. His glance taking her in. "Why don't you try to find some clothes, jeans, sweatshirts, and a coat? And maybe a pair of snow boots."
"Are you paying for it?" 
"No, your father is. This was his idea, not mine."
Kasie nodded and began searching the aisles. But she kept being distracted by the distress in the young couple's voices.
 "We had no idea it was so bad here. The last we heard was a storm, but not a blizzard."
"It's unusual for this time of year, really. How far down the road is your car?"
"About a mile and a half."
"Goodness, and you all walked? Why don't you come to the fire in the back, and I'll fix you a cup of hot cider." Rosie said, the same friendliness in her voice as she had used with her. Kasie liked her.
"They can, but I've got to call someone for help. Know anyone who could pull me out?"
"Hey, Chayton, this fella is stuck off the side of the road in a snowdrift. Reckon you could help him? He's got a half-frozen family."
Chayton eyed the man and woman at the register. Then he saw the three young boys, all rubbing their mittens together, and blowing their breath into their hands. He bent down next to the smallest one. "That's a good idea, but you need to warm up slow, so it doesn't hurt so much. The tingle will go away soon. Why don't you head for the fire in the back? Rosie makes a pretty good cup of hot chocolate, too."
Kasie didn't believe what she saw. Amory with children, gentle, kind, and talking in a low voice. She'd never imagined—except years ago. Would he be this understanding with his own? It was a side of him she'd never contemplated. Perhaps he had children of his own now, and a wife. She'd never thought about Chayton being married. For some reason that thought made her sad.
"Thanks, Mister," the little boy said.
"You're very welcome. Now, I better go see if I can help your dad. Why don't you boys take your mother to the fire too, and wait for us?"
 The boys obeyed him with a smile.
Kasie marveled at his quick action. He hadn't stood around arguing or discussing the problem; he'd just left. Damn, she had to admire him for that, too. Perhaps if she were some damsel in distress he'd be willing to help her.
Rick would have made an excuse, just so he wouldn't have to tackle such weather. But then, Rick was from California, and not used to such severe weather, she defended him in her thoughts.
"I don't blame Chayton for being in such a hurry. The radio said this storm wasn't going to let up for a few days, so this could get bad." Rosie led the woman and three kids towards Kasie, and raised her eyebrows at her. "Just warm yourself by the fire. I'll get us something going real quick like."
"You shouldn't bother," the young mother exclaimed, casting Kasie a curious glance.
"Nonsense, the boys looked pretty tuckered, and I imagine you could use a little perking up."
"Thanks. We never expected anyone to come to our rescue. We figured we'd be stranded for sure. We've been forewarned that the mountain people were a bit standoffish."
Rosie seemed to survey them before answering.
"That's true. Most of them are pretty backward. That's because they so seldom see anyone up there. But once you get to know them, they are all like family." 
"It was nice of your husband to help us, too." The woman directed her comment to Kasie.
"Oh—no, he's not my husband."
"Oh, I'm sorry, I just assumed."
"It's okay, I'm glad someone could help you." After Rosie attempted a quick introduction, she made the boys some hot chocolate, and gave the lady and Kasie a mug of hot cider.
 "Can you get a weather report on the radio?" the woman asked.
"I'll try. We've had a lot of static, on the old Philco, but after it warms up, it works good as new. I don't know why I don't get a new one."
Kasie watched with fascination. The radio had to have been made back in the forties, judging from the style. The wood looked unfamiliar, but beautiful. She'd never seen such a big radio. It stood nearly to her waist, and had big speakers on each side. It also had a two-way.
Rosie tuned the announcer in, while everyone gathered about her to listen.
"Expecting snow for the next three days, and maybe more. It's an all-out blizzard. People are asked to take precautions with frozen pipes, traveling, and heating units."
"Oh, my, let's get some extra blankets, boys. Sounds like we are going to need them. Mind if we look around?"
"Not at all; help yourself." Rosie motioned to the far wall at the back. "You'll find a lot of emergency stuff back there."
"Thanks come on boys."
"With your father arriving, I'm sure Chayton's anxious to get to the cabin," Rosie said, turning to Kasie once more.
"Father can wait, just like anyone else."
"I don't really understand this, honey. I mean, you don't really want to be here, I gather. Chayton doesn't want you here, but your father does?"
Kasie didn't refrain the sarcasm from her voice, but she didn't mean to offend the woman. It wasn't her fault.
 "Look, you've got to help me, Rosie. Amory kidnapped me against my will, and brought me here to see my father. I'm not at all pleased to be here. I was supposed to be married tomorrow."
"Married?"
 "Yes."
"I can't believe Chayton would do such a thing."
 "Of course he would, anything for my father." 
Rosie watched her, her face changing from one expression of surprise to understanding. "Chayton owes your father a great deal." 
"Yeah, I know they're buddies."
"Oh, it goes much deeper than that, dearie. Chayton and Tanka Amory are the two nicest people on the mountain and— except for your father—probably the best liked, too. Give you their shirts off their backs. But it is much more than that. Your father saved Chayton's life, and tried to save his parents the day they drowned. It devastated John, crushed Chayton and Tanka. They were still very young. John took care of those boys. And for years your father has done everything to help support Chayton and Tanka in every venture they've taken.
"He's their Godfather, you know."
"Godfather?" Kasie choked on the words. "No, I didn't know. And I certainly should have. I lived with my father for several years, and he never mentioned it."
"That must have been when the Irish was still alive, Chayton's dad. He wasn't Irish, his mother was, but she called him 'Irish'."
"I didn't know any of this. I never met Amory's parents, although I did meet Tanka. But that has nothing to do with this. And it still doesn't justify his actions. He's a barbarian."
 "You're upset, and naturally so, but—" Rosie's brow rose with condemnation.
"Of course I'm upset! And…I'm sorry I'm venting my anger on you."
"Think nothing of it, child. I understand you being upset with Chayton; he's a handful at times, but barbarian? Not Chayton!"
"I've been called worse." Chayton said, eying her from the doorway. He'd come back, and he'd heard!
Kasie hadn't meant to vent her anger on Rosie, but the past few hours had been too much. Until this very moment she had never realized how very like her mother she had become. But withheld anger exploded inside her. Her life was being destroyed, and no one seemed to give a damn.
She hadn't expected him to hear her. Hadn't expected to see that strange look in his eyes: a dull, lifeless look; a look of loathing. Perhaps she deserved it. She'd been a bad sport all around, but it bothered her that Chayton was angry or worse, hurt over something she said.
The woman's husband came back inside, and after paying for their supplies, they all left, thanking Rosie and Chayton both for their kindness.
After half an hour Kasie had picked out a couple of things, and looked around for Amory. He was bent over the radio on the counter, listening to the weather report.
She wondered if she could wander away without his noticing. Still, the threatening snowstorm didn't invite an escape plan.
"Sounds like it's going to get pretty rough. You are still going up tonight?"
"Yeah, Rosie, I've got to." 
"Did you really kidnap her?"
 "Sort of. John asked me to go get her and bring her here. I went."
"Yes, without bothering to ask," Kasie said, hoping she might find a comrade in this woman.
Rosie's eyes were still alight; evidently she wasn't listening to what was being said. "Well, if John wants her here, he must have a good reason. 'Course not seeing' your own daughter in so long could be reason enough. I can't believe that woman, sometimes."
"What woman?" Kasie's brows knitted.
"Ava, of course. Your mother. Although I reckon I'm speaking out of turn."
Kasie bit her lip to defend her mother's honor, but realized it could have been the truth. Realizing she had no ally, she clamped her mouth shut.
"Don't mind me, darlin', I talk too much." Rosie smiled and patted Kasie on the arm. When a long silence prevailed, she smiled and glanced at Chayton. "She's such a delicate little thing, tall but almost frail looking. Nothing to her but height. And would you look at that hair? Have you ever seen anything like that? It looks like satin and silver, the color of it so unusual. Why, it's beautiful, child! Oh, now, don't you go worrying about our Chayton, here. This boy is as good as they come. You've no worry with him. But now, it's your father you best worry about. Now, he's a man to be reckoned with. When he gets something in his head, there's no stopping him. Of course he probably wouldn't be where he is today if he was any other way."
Kasie's brow shot upward. "Oh, you know my father that well?"
"Know him? Why child, everyone this side of the Cascade Mountains knows him. Biggest spender in these parts. And one of the nicest, too."
 "Known him long?"
"Naturally, he's from these parts you know. We went to school together. He's a handful of man, a lot like our Chayton here."
"I never saw the resemblance."
"Oh, then you know our Chayton, do you?" 
"I thought I did, once."
Amory's eyes met hers.
Rosie blinked, but went on. "So, how did you get here?"
"We drove."
"From California, you must be exhausted. Well then, why don't you stay here the night, and go on up in the morning?"
Chayton stood and paced, glancing out the windows several times before he answered. "Better not, Rosie. If John's already there, he'll be waiting. And if I have to get stuck, at least I'd like to be home."
"It isn't supposed to let up. It looks like it's going to be a helluva blizzard. Surely John would have stopped by here first, if he was coming."
"I doubt it, Rosie. He's anxious to talk to Kasie.
And this weather is just what I need, to top it off." Chayton's voice rose with agitation.
"To everything there is purpose," Rosie quoted. 
"Yeah."
"It can't be a blizzard; I've got to get back," Kasie wailed aloud as she stared out the window.
"If you're intending to get up the mountain, I'd be quick about it then, Chayton. It's only going to get worse."
"It's funny I never met you," Kasie added as Chayton tried to pull her away.
 "I guess. But I've heard a lot about you, through the years. Oh, honey, I've known you're father for ages. He's a good man. Don't be too hard on him. He's been through a lot. When your father and mother married, John rarely came home. Ava dragged him away from his roots. He seemed different back then. But one always comes home to their roots, eventually. And he's a happier man for it."
"Yeah, well, maybe we should get going before it gets too bad outside."
"Now, Chayton, darlin', we should make the girl feel welcome. That storm is already a going, and it isn't gonna change things. Have a little heart, darlin', she's bound to be a little emotional since she was to marry. And besides, John would want that. She probably needs a shower and a good rest."
"Yeah, don't we all. Under different circumstances we'd stay a while, Rosie. But I think we better travel."
"Why don't we stay here?" Kasie took a shot at persuading him.
"I thought you were the one in a hurry to get back home."
"I am, but it does look rather ominous out there." 
"It won't be a joy ride, but we'll make it. We'll get you fixed up, extra blankets and things, and be on our way. Your father may be waiting, and I'm sure you want to go home as soon as possible."
"Are you taking me home?"
"I hadn't planned on it. It's your father's idea. He'll take care of that."
Kasie stared out the big window, and wondered what the storm would bring next. She had a feeling things just weren't going to go her way.
"Have you taken her to the Inn?"
 "I thought you understood, this isn't a sightseeing trip, Rosie. She's not happy about being here in the first place. I'm sure she isn't interested in sight-seeing."
"No need to get testy with me, young man. You are both exhausted, is all I was thinking of."
"I know, and I apologize. I'm a bear. Forgive me, Rosie. You don't deserve this. I'm not used to being a bad guy. It doesn't sit right."
"Apology accepted."
Rosie set his supplies on the counter. "Promise me you'll both try to behave yourselves, no matter what happens up there."
"What do you mean no matter what happens? What could happen?" Kasie asked, eyeing the woman as though she knew something Kasie didn't.
Rosie chuckled, her entire body shaking with the action. "You are both snowbound, stuck with each other, and waiting for John. Depending on the weather and circumstances, a lot could happen. So why doesn't he approve of the wedding? Or is that none of my business?"
"You seem to know as much as I do about him, maybe more. You tell me," Kasie said.
"I haven't seen John since he got married. I have no idea what he's thinking. But I know the man, and there's got to be a reason."
"Yes, he doesn't approve? Obviously. As if that mattered to me."
"That's too bad. Well, knowing John, I can only say there must be a good explanation."
"Oh, there is. He wants to stop the wedding," Chayton added.
"He wants to ruin my life. Control it."
 "Rosie, I hate to break this up, but we've got to get moving. I've got to finish this up so I can get to work soon."
Rosie blinked, and then frowned. "Oh, dear, then you don't know about losing the Boone account." Amory's fist came down on the counter.
Something dropped to the floor. Kasie flinched again, but not without notice.
"Losing it. You're joking, how could we have lost that account? I trusted Tanka to handle the whole affair. That's what I get. I should have known better than to trust my brother. He's such a softie."
"I don't know really, but Tanka was in earlier today with a ski party, and he said he lost it to ole man Myers."
"Myers? Now how in the hell could that have happened?"
"I don't know, darlin', but he said something about him being down on his luck for the past few years and almost bankrupt."
"That jackass brother of mine let him have it, didn't he?"
Rosie looked up at Amory with big round eyes of innocence. "Probably."
He downed his cider, and grabbed Kasie by the arm, "Come on, let's go. It's going to be late as it is, when we get there. Have you got what you'll need?"
"Depends on how long she stays. She's got a change of clothes that should keep her warm, and a jacket."
"Let's hope it's a quick visit."


Chapter Three


Kasie had fallen asleep by the time they reached the cabin. Her head was positioned against Amory's shoulder when he nudged her with his elbow.
"Hey, we're here."
She opened her eyes slowly, and took her time moving away from him, finding his warmth inviting. As soon as she realized where she was, and whom she was with, she immediately pulled away from him. Their closeness brought a new tension, as the aloneness of the situation homed in. He stared down at her for a long moment. She saw his eyes shining in the darkness, and his slow burning smile, and her heart flipped even though she never let on. Amory didn't smile a lot, but when he did, his entire face lit from within. It was devastating.
It was too dark to see much further than the windshield. The Jeep lights formed two long columns in front of them. The cabin seemed tucked deep within the dense forest of the Cascade Mountains northeast of Eugene, Oregon.
She heard Amory swear beneath his breath, and she leaned forward. "Something wrong?"
For a long moment he didn't answer. His silence made her uneasy.
She stared out the front windshield. The snow illuminated the entire area, and as he peered ahead of them, a frown knitted his forehead, like ripples in a river. "From the looks of the lean-to and the front door, I'd say we've had a visitor. One we weren't expecting."
 Kasie craned her neck to see out. "Really, who?" 
"Ole Blue—the orneriest mix of black and grizzly bear you'll ever want to encounter."
Kasie's mouth flew open. A bear! As if things weren't bad enough. Now a bear!
He shook his head. "I suppose he got wind of that white tailed deer I dressed out last week, and went snooping. Nearly tore the lean-to apart from the looks of it. Knocked in the door a little. Generally, made a mess of things, that's all."
"Aren't black bears harmless?" she quipped, thinking he was merely trying to scare her, and doing a darn good job of it.
"Well, yeah, but Ole Blue is not just any black. He's not even a full blood black. Which makes him very rare and almost priceless. That's why he's still around. His father was a Grizzly. An unusual happening, but it does happen. Especially when a Grizzly wanders this far south. He's considered the Rogue of the Cascades. Number two hundred and four, according to the rangers."
He seemed to be gauging her reactions as he spoke.
"Number two hundred and four. He has a number, tagged by the rangers. It's just another way of keeping track of them. And Ole Blue definitely has to be kept track of."
"Why? Is he dangerous?"
"Most of the bears in the area are marked, but no, not exactly. At least not yet. A few years back we had a large camping party up here, hunters mostly. One of their wives decided to make the groceries available to him, and he's been frequenting campsites ever since."
"I'm surprised one of the hunters didn't kill him."
 "Bad shots, I guess. Most of the hunters we get these days aren't professional. Anyway, they figure ole Blue's father must have wandered down from the North Country, and finding a new land, marked this territory as his. According to the rangers, one of the black females must have decided to stay, because the result is Ole Blue. That makes him a loner around here. Could be reason enough for his cantankerous attitude."
Amory leaned back in the seat and stretched his arm behind her, a gesture that seemed to come naturally to him.
Kasie stiffened and frowned till he removed his arm.
"Sorry. Reflex. I keep forgetting you're not one of those poor, helpless, little, city girls."
His eyes traveled over her again, this time with appreciation.
"I've never been poor or helpless."
"No, I guess you haven't." His eyes stared through the darkness at her. "Anyway, Old Blue is really more of a nuisance than anything. The last few years, he's been the local attraction around here. Kids love him, at a distance at least. But he's getting old."
Emotion seemed to choke his words, but his face hadn't changed.
"The park rangers, on the other hand, don't think too kindly of his antics. He's a big, lazy ole bear. He doesn't want to hunt for his food anymore. Not when campsites or open cabins will provide him with dinner. And he isn't afraid to explore them."
"Just what I need, a bear!"
She felt the power of his gaze on her again. "Too bad he didn't know you were coming." He shot her a comical glance. "He'll have to be moved again. Although I seriously doubt it will do a bit of good."
When she grimaced he continued. "The bear is too old to change his ways now, and this is his home. He's marked it. He'll come back. And…he'll most likely have to be shot."
"Shot?"
"Unless Mother Nature takes a hand."
Kasie shook inwardly. She shouldn't care. But she did. Had he not told her about the bear, only mentioned him, Kasie wouldn't have attached so much importance to the animal. But she had a soft spot for animals, all animals. And to think the bear would be purposely killed made her instantly sad. She identified with the bear's problems. She didn't like being shoved around, either. They seemed to be victims of circumstance.
Amory got out of the Jeep and came round to her side. Before she knew what he was up to, he picked her up in his arms and carried her to the cabin. What kind of game was he playing now, she wondered.
Was he merely feeling sorry for her, or trying to put a new and different kind of scare into her. She'd been a pretty tough little cookie all day, but the day was wearing her down.
Strangely enough, all her nerve ends reacted at once. It could have been caused by the story of the bear, but she didn't think so.
"What are you doing? Won't you allow me any dignity?" she protested, not fully immune to his woodsy odor, nor the strength within him. She hated to admit it, but she felt rather secure in his big, strong arms. Her hand fell into the opening of his jacket, and she felt the heat of his bare skin through the cotton shirt. She willed herself not to move. A wanting older than time stirred within her. Control; that's what she needed.
"You want dignity when the snow is knee deep?" He shot her a glacier glance.
Amory was as primitive as the land around her; born at least a hundred years too late, she decided. A girl could fall for this kind of guy, if she let herself. But then, she knew better, didn't she?
"Easy, honey," he cajoled, his face amazingly close now. "It's dark, and you don't know your way around yet. It's easier and safer to carry you. Besides, I've got enough to contend with for one night."
It wasn't what he said so much as the way he said it that stopped her protesting. He was right. They were both tired, and he did have enough to contend with. No use making matters worse. She'd correct him about the "honey" later.
For a brief minute, she relaxed against him, her head falling against his shoulder. Exhaustion nearly overtook her. It seemed natural to be snuggled against him, as though she belonged here in his arms. Ironically, it was the first time she had relaxed in his presence, except when she had fallen asleep, and nothing bad was happening. The steady beat of his heart seemed to comfort her. A warm bath and decent night's sleep would soothe her over-wrought nerves after such a ridiculous day!
He set her down near the entrance, reaching for a switch.
Nothing happened. Again, she heard him swear. He moved away from her, leaving her standing in the dark. She was determined not to yell out to him. She hated helpless women. But seconds later, there was nothing to fear. He pulled two wagon wheels down from the high ceiling, and began lighting the four lanterns mounted on each spoke.
As the light illuminated the room, her eyes widened with surprise. For a nothingness little place in the wilderness, she had expected a shack, something raw and primitive. But this—this was a far cry from a shack.
"Amazing!" she said aloud, then reddened when he looked at her. She didn't want him knowing she was impressed. But she was, and she knew he knew.
It looked more like a small resort lodge. His place was huge and roomy. Kasie had an instant feeling she could grow to love it here; the trick being not to let him know it under any circumstances. After all, it could have been hers once!
John hadn't arrived yet, that much was immediately obvious, and Amory drew in a breath with what sounded like frustration. He looked as ill at ease as she felt.
Kasie couldn't stop looking about, her curiosity growing. The cabin was an oddity, made up of the man's personality. Although it was laid out like a house, there were no walls to separate the rooms. A huge rock fireplace graced one wall. Big tufted recliners were spaced on each side, with a large genuine bear rug between them. To one side of the cabin was an office space, with a small library, desk and chair. On the other side was the bedroom with a huge four-poster bed. It looked homemade, rustic, and very old.
"It's a very nice…place."
The kitchen looked old-fashioned, too, and somewhat smaller. The sink had a pump to one side, and the wood-burning stove looked as old as the bed. The refrigerator, if you could call it one, was so small that she could barely see it from where she stood. A hot plate sat on the end of the counter.
No matter how interesting the place was, her eyes kept straying to the big bed. Oh, how she'd love to get into that after her bath! Exhaustion and, no doubt, the change in altitude were not helping matters.
"It belonged to my parents," he murmured near her. Too near. "It was the only thing I managed to save from their burned out home. Dad called it their marrying bed."
"I—I'm sorry," Kasie stuttered, taken by surprise. The intimacy of the bed put a new tension into their path. A marrying bed? 
Despite her intentions not to get involved, a feeling of intimacy swamped her. After all, they were going to be her in-laws once; she had every right to be upset about them now. "It's a beautiful bed." 
"My father made it for my mother, before they were married."
"You must treasure—"
"Yeah, well, I keep the majority of food in the cellar outside, if you're wondering about that refrigerator. I hope you've cooked on a wood-burning stove."
Obviously, he didn't want to become emotional, either, although she remembered how much he loved to talk about his parents. He was a man unafraid to admit his feelings for his family. She liked that.
Dammit, she didn't want to like anything about the man, anymore. However, it was those little endearments that made her fall in love with him.
"But you have an electric—"
 "Yeah, but we have no electricity. The storm must have knocked it out. I'll set what little is in the fridge out in the freezer later. The food will spoil otherwise. Sometimes the wind knocks the electricity out. That's the reason for special lights, and the wood-burning stove and fireplace."
God, he was beautiful. She watched him from the corner of her eyes. She had forgotten how beautiful. Never in her life had Kasie chased men, but when she met Chay Amory, she hadn't been able to keep her eyes off him. She had fallen in love with him at first sight, and as she grew to know him, she had loved him more.
But she had to put that aside now. He had brought her here against her will. Besides, she was an engaged woman, and she'd better remember it.
Then something else occurred to her. Did he actually expect her to do the cooking? Did he honestly think she was staying here, in a cabin with no electricity, in a storm that might strand her, with a man who might…
No Amory wasn't that kind of man. He'd never force himself on a woman. He didn't have to.
The possibilities of what could happen were unlimited, and her imagination had been stretched.
A smile lingered on his masculine lips. "Sorry, honey, but it looks as though we are going to have to make the best of things. Your father hasn't shown up yet, as you can plainly see. It's understandable in this weather. His plane was probably delayed."
Whether it was from the same furtive feeling she had had all along, or just plain anger, Kasie pounced on him, for lack of anything else to pounce upon. Anger became her strength.
"Now, wait a minute! Wait just a cotton-picking minute! And don't call me 'honey'!" She backed up.
 He came closer. "You needn't think I'm going to camp out with you until my father gets here."
"You don't have much choice."
"Of course I do. I've got to get back. I don't know what you expected, but I've got a job, a family and friends who expect me to show up. Not to mention a wedding I play an important role in. You said it would only be a day or two. I was nice enough to come here with you, without too much of a fight, but my father is not here, and I'm not about to stay here with the likes of you. If he was here, I could talk to him, and fly back by morning, and nothing would be disturbed. I've gone along with this, fully expecting to leave in time for my wedding."
Amory eyed her a moment. If his temper flared, he didn't let on. He examined his hand where she'd bit him, then glanced at her. "Without too much of a fight? That's rich, considering the scar I'm going to have. But you don't have any choice." His voice sounded final. "Take a good look around you, brat. That's a full-blown snowstorm out there, in case you aren't aware of it. The electric is already out. And I don't intend driving in this snow anymore tonight. Besides, I've got repairs to make. So face it—you're stuck. And so am I! And I don't like it any more than you do."
His voice had gone throaty, his expression almost weary. He went to the fireplace and checked his wood supply, with total indifference. In minutes he had a roaring fire going and was giving her the cold shoulder.
"No!" she protested, following his every step now, refusing his logic. "You got me up here to see my father. And he's not here. I want to leave now, thank you!
"I guess you're blind." He said glancing at her then out the window. 
"Enough is enough. He isn't here. And I intend to leave. I saw how capably you handled the Jeep in this weather. You live here. You're used to this. We can go down as easily as we came up. Besides, I've been rather nice, considering."
"Nice? You call biting my hand off, nice?"
 "You call kidnapping nice?"
Turning on her, his eyes pinned her, but he tempered his anger. His voice was cold as stone. His eyes bore into her.
"Believe me, I'd like nothing better than to get rid of you. Like I said, this wasn't my idea, bringing you here, but you are here. And if you think I'm getting back out in that, you're crazy. I'm dead tired on my feet, and I'm getting some rest tonight, one way or another."
"Fine, I'll stay at the Inn in Eugene until my father arrives. Probably got a late flight, like you said."
"You're not listening. You could, if we could get down. But we can't. The snow plows won't be out until dawn, and not even then, if it doesn't let up. No, I'm afraid you and I are stuck with each other, like it or not. We are not going anywhere, tonight. It's up to your father now."
"C-couldn't we fly out?" Kasie was slowly beginning to see the reality of the situation, and sheer panic drove her to procrastinate.
She couldn't stay here with Amory all night, not with that gorgeous bed staring at her. Eight years ago, the bed wouldn't have bothered her, as she couldn't have perceived Amory coaxing her into having sex. But now, she was a woman, and he was a more than alluring man. Things could get out of control fast.
"Visibility alone wouldn't permit it. Flying in this weather is pure suicide."
He was so logical, having all the answers she didn't want to hear. All she wanted to do was scream at him, pound on him, something. She walked over to the window instead, and realized there was nothing moving except snow outside, even the animals had better sense than to traipse about. It looked as lonely as she felt. Her hand moved up and down the window frame, keeping time with the falling flakes that had become much bigger since they had left Rosie's general store. It was too early in the year for this kind of storm. No one had expected this.
She closed her eyes for a moment, drawing a breath to calm herself. It wasn't Amory's fault, it wasn't her dad's fault, but she needed to find blame.
The day had been a nightmare.
Her glance went about the place again. The window must have cost a fortune to install, her mind wandered. Better to think of windows than being trapped with Amory. Better to think of windows instead of thinking how easily he might charm her into that Marriage Bed.
But nothing could stop her mind from wandering. Was he rich now? His parents were dead; perhaps they had left a sum of money for him. He didn't look like a rich man. Nor act like one, although Amory was not a material kind of man. He didn't dress like one, either, although his jeans were well cut, and his shirt nicely pressed. Did he iron them himself, or did he have a maid, or maybe even a girlfriend? My, how her mind was taking flight. She didn't care if he had a maid or a girlfriend, she only knew she wanted to leave, and he was preventing her. There was desperation inside her that even she didn't understand. Or maybe she did, but something kept telling her not to go there.
"Is there anyway Dad can fly in?" Her voice seemed to trail off as she spoke, as though she knew the answer before asking the question. She leaned against the window frame and stared at him. 
"Not in this weather. And I'm sure you wouldn't want him to try. But stop worrying, he'll be here, sooner or later."
"Lord, I hope so." She moved away, toward the fireplace, to warmth. "But I'm just too tired to worry about it any longer tonight." She sighed with resignation. She shook her head and hugged herself, then moving toward the fireplace, she spread her hands out in front of the fire, basking in the warmth flooding her. She could handle this situation for a short while—if she had to. She'd show him. She had learned a few things in eight years. She was no longer subject to his charms. At least she hoped she wasn't.
She should have put up a bigger fight coming up here. She should be in total panic. She should be screaming at the top of her lungs. She should be doing a lot of things, but what good would it do? Besides, who would hear her up here, in the middle of nowhere? Maybe tomorrow she'd scream. Maybe tomorrow she'd make his life so miserable, he'd be glad to take her home, under any conditions.
"Look, we better get a few things straight right off the bat. I won't do battle with you, Kasie." 
She opened her mouth to protest, but he continued.
"You are here, and you're stuck for the time being. There's no dishwasher, no microwave, no TV. Wood has to be chopped daily for the stove and fire. There's no central heat, like I'm sure you're used to. No thermostats. We do have running water, but I use the pump strictly for well water. Drinking water. This isn't a townhouse, and you're not a guest. As long as you are here, you'll do your share of the work. I don't have time to baby-sit a woman."
He sounded rough and almost mad, as though he were at his last straw too. Why should he be mad? He had made her come with him, hadn't he? This was his idea, not hers!
Still, nothing he said bothered her. If he could survive, so could she. She'd show him! That is until one thing hit her, and hit her hard. It was like cold, icy water splashing in a sleepy face. She glanced around the room frantically before her eyes landed on him again. Her eyes got big, wide, and expectant. She felt like a child, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.
All the way up here she had contemplated only one thing. There was only one thing to look forward to, one thing. But where was it?
"Where's the bathroom?" she muttered thickly between gritted teeth.
Despite his suddenly blackened mood, despite the fact that everything was beginning to look bleak, a rumble came from him, until it bubbled into what sounded like a strange, strangled, laugh.
"There's a washtub outside for bathing, if you want a bath. But you'll have to bring it in, fill it with heated water from the stove, and then empty it. As for the other, there's a pot under the bed, with a cover. Personally, I opt for the outhouse out back. But at least you have a choice. There are no walls, but you can pull the curtain around the bed when you need it. I'm sorry, honey, but it's the best I can offer. I haven't finished the place yet. You see, I wasn't expecting company for a while. Especially company like you. Since you're tired, I'd advise you to take a spit bath, and call it a night."
"A what?" She asked, as though he had lit the last fuse, and she was about to blow.
"A quick wash at the sink," he said, with a slight smile to his sober face.
She glanced up at the curtain, hung similar to a bathtub curtain on a rod that circled the entire bed. It was thin material, but at least it was something.
Still, the man had no bathroom, and in such weather, too. Why, one trip to the bathroom, if that's what he called it, would chill her to the bone. She never once expected such primitive conditions, not from a man so well acquainted with John Douglas.
"I see." She managed between gritted teeth again. This had to be some kind of test, or a bad dream. He was standing there waiting for her to scream aloud, or tap her foot again or something. But instead, she just stood there. Every nerve in her body shook. A scream seemed inevitable, yet she controlled it somehow.
"Are there any more surprises? I mean, aside from the fact that I'm stuck up here in the middle of nowhere, with you, with no bathroom, and a very untimely father. Is there a wife or girlfriend, perhaps?"
The smile faded from his handsome face. "No, neither."
She might have laughed, but his expression changed so quickly, she nearly gasped. He looked almost…sad. Had she touched some nerve? 
"Don't tell me. She stole your heart. And left you because she couldn't handle these primitive conditions, I'll bet. Even you should know that a bathroom isn't a luxury anymore."
He turned on her again, his eyes narrowing into slits, "There aren't any women in my heart, Kasie. I don't need them. You pointed that out, a few years ago. Anyway, when and if I marry, it'll be for all the right reasons, with the right woman."
His glance slid from her head to her toe, intimately.
"Is there anything else I should know?"
"Well, let's see. There are a couple of things about your father I should mention. He had a by-pass last year, and you've heard about him remarrying, other than that, no."
Her jaw dropped.
 He smiled. "Look, I've got some stew and cornbread in the refrigerator. I'll light the stove for you, and you can heat it up while I make a few general repairs. Maybe a little food will put both of us in a better humor. I'll give you plenty of time to wash up and change for bed, so stop fretting."
"I didn't come here to cook for you! Fix it yourself."
Her words hung in the air between them, like a gauntlet. A silence filled the cabin, and then Amory's steel flinted gaze encompassed her. He moved in closer. Way too close.
"You better get it straight. You're here, like it or not. And we have to eat. Unless you want to be up all night, you'll do the cooking. I'm not a baby-sitter. Around here, the first available person does whatever is necessary. You'll carry your own weight, for as long as you're here. Because, you see, I don't care whose daughter you are, or how rich you are. Got it?"
She opened her mouth to argue, but he merely turned away.
Like talking to a wall, she gestured to the air. After a long silence she added. "I'm not cooking for you."
"You don't know how?" His head quirked comically.
"Of course I know how, but I'm not cooking for you." She insisted, crossing her arms over her chest and glaring at him.
His frown deepened. "Fine, then you won't eat." 
"Fine."
Her stomach rumbled quietly, as though  objecting. She ignored the hunger pangs. She wasn't about to cook for him, even if it meant starving. Her stomach rumbled again, she frowned.
 What she really wanted to do was curl up in the big feather bed, alone, and forget this entire day.
He stalked from the cabin and didn't return for several minutes. After making a few general repairs on the lean-to, he came inside to warm his supper, and ate in total silence. He didn't acknowledge her at all. She grumbled to herself, she didn't need food; she didn't need conversation, either. Besides, the more they talked, the worse things got.
A by-pass! Remarried! How many more surprises would there be? Why hadn't her father contacted her? Why didn't she know about all of this?
But the fact that she was miles from nowhere with a man she had once contemplated marrying, soon zeroed in on her like a tidal wave.
He joined her by the fire. This seemed a bit too cozy for comfort. Snowbound with Chay Amory. Chay? She loved his name. And oh how she had cried over him for so long. Her mother thought she was going mad.
She sat there, her mind wandering aimlessly.
Would her mother worry, or would she suspect that Kasie was simply pulling another of her little stunts? Kasie often took off for the unknown when her mother became too controlling. Why couldn't her parents realize how manipulative they had become?
None of this would be happening if they would let her live her own life.
Would anyone come looking for her? Yeah, right—no one had the faintest idea where she might be, up here in the great nowhere! She frowned again. Her stomach continued to rumble.
"There's some stew left, if you're hungry. Just warm it up."
She had fallen totally silent, and stared hopelessly into the fire. Food, she didn't need food, she needed to get out of here, away from Chay.
"I'm not."
"Is that why your stomach is making all those sounds. You are still just as hardheaded, aren't you?"
"Maybe."
"I don't remember you being this stubborn before, but then my opinions were biased back then."
 The value of his words plagued her. "You don't have to put on an act, Amory. I know exactly what you thought of me, back then—and now."
The painful memory stabbed at her, as her words tumbled freely out of her mouth.
"Do you? I wonder?" His eyes glittered dangerously into hers.
"I'm really not in the mood to play games. I want some sleep, and that's all," she said quietly.
"I agree. Only I think I better get you a shirt to sleep in. It seems we overlooked the need for those kinds of clothes while shopping at Rosie's. Naturally, we didn't know your father wouldn't be here. In good weather John would fly in and fly you both out the same evening. I didn't plan on this any more than you did."
"Yeah, in good weather. But no thanks; I'll wear what I have on. I've made it this far, I can stand it a little longer."
"Maybe you can, but I can't," he said, going to a closet, and coming back to her with a big flannel shirt. "You're not sleeping in my bed smelling like a fish."
He came closer, holding the shirt up to her.
She sniffed, and realized he was right. She did reek of fish.
"Well, I was fishing, and you didn't give me a chance for a shower. If you'd have let me take one at the motel things would be fine."
"I guess that is my fault. But you will sleep in my shirt. A little big, but maybe you can survive one night in it. Too bad I forgot to take care of this problem, but I simply didn't think it would be necessary. You father knew I was bringing you up here today."
She glanced at the soft flannel shirt and shook her head. Sleeping in his shirt seemed—indecent.
"I don't think so." She barely breathed.
"It's either that, or nothing. And it gets a little cold for the latter."
 She eyed him closely, facing his challenging words with not so much as a blink. "Point taken. I'll take the shirt, then."
"I figured you would."
"And you know me so well, don't you?"
"Better than most," he said with a low chuckle, handing her the shirt.
"It merely stems from a good upbringing. But let me put your mind to rest once and for all about me, Amory. I'd grow old and gray and alone before I would succumb to a backwoods Romeo like you again. I've grown up, and acquired some intelligence and taste in the process. While we're at it, let me remind you that I am still John Douglas' daughter, and I would think if you don't have any respect for me, at least you might show some for him."
Had she put him in his place yet? She knew if she was going to survive this ordeal she would need some leverage between them, and anger was as good as any. As long as he stayed reasonably angry with her, he wouldn't get other ideas, she decided, and neither would she.
"Are you through reading me the riot act?" There was no humor left in his face. She couldn't have been more effective if she had slapped him. Oddly enough, it didn't have the effect she wanted.
His voice cut through her, searing her skin like a hot-edged knife, his face registering an emotion she wasn't sure about. "I'd every intention of respecting you without the reminder. No one's more aware of who you are, than I. I'm doing my best to be civil with you, but you aren't making it easy."
She shrugged.
He moved away and was silent a long while.
Then when a spark flew up from the fireplace, he looked at her once more.
"Look, we're snowbound. Your father will be here shortly, and then you can be on your way again. So let's stop cutting each other down, and concentrate on surviving this. I'm sorry I've been a part of this whole thing. I knew better when I agreed to do it. But after all your father has done for me and my family, it's just almost impossible to say no to the man."
For just a moment, she felt a spark of sympathy for him. Perhaps he was only a victim of her father's manipulations? But that didn't change anything. He was weak where her father was concerned, and she didn't like or respect weakness in a man. Even if he did owe the man, it didn't mean he had to give up his own principles because of it. She was still here. Besides, she was too tired to spend the night warring with the man. "I'm sorry I'm a part of it, too."
A long silence fell between them, and then he glanced at her again, his eyes traveling slowly over her, so slowly that she reddened. She felt stripped.
"Then we understand one another. And you will see your father. He's just worried about you Kasie."
"He's always worried about me. So is mother. I can't live my life, they won't let me."
She hugged herself now.
"I can understand how you feel to an extent, but I can't fathom your bitterness toward him. Aside from my brother Tanka, John's about the nicest person I know."
"My relationship with my father is none of your business. And I don't consider myself bitter, just indifferent. I want to do my own thinking, make my own mistakes. I want that privilege. He's got to learn he can't lead my life for me. He's been trying for much too long, and I simply won't stand for it anymore. I've worked hard to be my own person, and had gained a certain amount of independence from both of them. It took a lot of doing, too. I'm not about to let my father dictate to me now."
"I suppose eight years is a long time. Lack of communication can ruin any relationship. But the way he feels about you..."
"He has an odd way of showing those feelings. I haven't had so much as had a card from him since the day I walked out on y—" she burst out, unable to stop the flow of emotions erupting within her. Why did he have to pry into her private life again? She felt exposed and raw, emotions repressed for years stabbing at her heart. "Besides, how would you know how he feels about me? He wanted a son. He got daughter."
His eyes found hers and locked. "Maybe at first he did. But I know John. Deep down, he only wants what's best for you. Maybe he did want a son, most men do. It's natural. I only know he's scared for you. I suppose he comes off a little strong and overprotective. But his intentions are the best."
"Scared for me? What does that mean?"
"I'll let him explain."
While she contemplated his words, he stepped outside.
Kasie glanced about the cabin, squaring herself for her new fate. Quickly she went to the sink, pumped some water, and washed, then slipped into the big flannel shirt. Being in Amory's shirt made her shiver. She could almost feel his arms around her. She didn't shiver from the cold, but from being in something that he wore. It felt sexy being in his shirt. Of course that was the wrong word for her situation. Foolish girl, she opened her eyes.
When Amory returned, she faced him as he rolled up her sleeves, and stared down into her startled face. He was doing it again, treating her like a child, and yet this protective nature of his was getting to her. She wanted to push him away, slap his face, and make him realize she was no child. Not any longer. She felt more alive, and more like a woman this moment than she had in a very long time.
But his nearness affected her more than he could know, and she practically held her breath until he backed away. It was the way he looked at her, like a man starved. But what for? "Why didn't dad just come to California himself, if his intentions were well meant? We could have talked about it, and it would be over with. Now he's ruined everything. I can't help but be bitter about that."
 
"It would have been better, and faster, I agree, but you know your father. He does things his own way. Arranges things. Good or bad, you can't change him either."
"But Mother went to so much trouble over the wedding, now it's ruined. Just when things were smoothing out in my life, he has to come along and stir up trouble for me. Well, I won't have it. He's not ruining this for me. He's not running my life anymore."
"What kind of trouble is he stirring up?" He asked, and moved away from her abruptly.
"Mother, Rick, and my career, my life. Mother will be outraged, Rick…I don't know, he has such a busy schedule and this will definitely throw him off." Amory stared at her again, as though reconsidering things. 
"Your mother will be mad, no doubt. This Rick character might be a little put out. But if he really cares—. And your career might be on the shaky side. So—maybe you have a little leverage now to work with, to make him see the light. Use that when you talk with him."
It seemed strange that Chayton should take her side, offer her another way to look at the whole thing. 
"Father has never seen the light. He thinks he has all the answers to everything."
"Look, I tried to talk him out of this, but he wouldn't have it. So if you really want independence, you're going to have to do battle with him. You know that."
"Yes, but how many times?"
"Until you win."
She shrugged and walked about slowly. 
"Guess you are right about that. I'm not looking forward to it.
"I can sympathize."
She studied him a moment. "So, how long have you had this place?" She asked, going to the big chair in front of the fire as she changed the subject. It did no good to talk about her father, he wasn't about to change.
 "About two years. I built it right after the big fire. I'd planned on finishing it this summer," he added, not looking at her.
"It's beautiful," she said, with a sigh of resignation, her eyelids becoming heavy as she stared into the flames of the fire.
"If you're not going to eat, you better turn in, and get some sleep."
"Fine, I'll just curl up here."
"No. You'll take the bed," He instructed, turning down the covers.
"I'd rather not. Thank you," She snapped, curling her feet under her, and relaxing into the confines of the lounger. The intimacy of sleeping in his bed sent a warm flush through her.
"Look, we're both tired, and there's no one to see who's gonna win the next round. So could be stow the claws and please take the bed?" His voice softened with resignation. Bending down and scooping her up in his arms again, his eyes burned into her. For a long drugging moment, time stood still. His head bent just a little, and she felt her body wanting to go to his. But she would not let this happen. She couldn't.
Then suddenly he tossed her onto the bed. He glared down at her, as though he had second thoughts about his own actions.
"Get some sleep!" He stomped out the door again.
What was wrong with him, she wondered? Just when they seemed to be reaching an understanding, he got hostile again. Why?
She sighed heavily as she sank into the comfort of the bed. She closed her eyes, willing herself not to think any longer. The war was over for today; she'd start fresh again, tomorrow!


Chapter Four


The next morning, Kasie stole a biscuit from the counter. She had poured herself a cup of coffee, and was sipping it, when something loud thudded at the door.
Skeptical, Kasie slowly opened the door. "Good morning. Thought you might like to see where most of the food is kept." Amory said, as he pulled Kasie by the hand to lead her outside and into the lean-to.
The touch of his hand sent currents of awareness through Kasie, but she hid it well. She had to face this attraction, and get rid of it, once and for all. But that wasn't going to be easy.
In his other hand, two rabbits and one wild turkey dangled, she noticed with sad regret. Was she the reason for their demise?
"The rabbits make a mean stew, and I'm sure you'll know what to do with the turkey. I thought we might have it when your father arrives. He loves turkey."
He didn't let go of her hand until he had laid the game on the table. Kasie noticed, but he seemed oblivious to his actions.
Kasie nodded numbly, her face turning ashen white as big tears pelted her cheeks.
"What in the ..." he thundered. He took a clean bandana from his back jeans pocket and handed it to her.
Blowing her nose loudly, she turned away from his intense gaze.
 "Sorry. I hate women who cry. Really." Her face flushed." It's just that all this seems so cruel. I mean, to kill such sweet harmless little creatures. I guess it brings back the memory of my own pet rabbit."
He laid the butcher knife in the sink, and then gently tipped her chin back with his elbow so he could look into her face. His expression seemed serious, almost thoughtful.
"Hey, look, this isn't murder, you know. It's just self-preservation. I don't kill for sport. You don't see me hanging trophies in my lodge. Up here it's what we eat."
"What about the bear rug, then?"
He sighed aloud, and rolled his eyes. "The bear rug was given to me by an old trapper. He's lived in the mountains most his life, and he makes use of all of his skins, although I doubt he bears any trophies, either. He just lives quite primitively. I haven't gotten rid of it, because it was a gift. You don't give gifts away; you keep them to remember people by."
She nodded.
"You'll find no heads in here. This is for food. So, what happened to your rabbit?"
She sniffled, her memory jarring. "Another kid let it loose, and it was hit by a car in front of our house. It was a long time ago, before I came here, while my parents were still together. When we actually had a home. I haven't thought about it in years."
"You must have been pretty young then."
"About six. Anyway, I found it minutes later, and I buried him in the back yard. Mother insisted I dig him up and take him to a pet cemetery, but I never did. I wanted him close to me. I guess that sounds a little silly."
 Amory grinned, an Amory kind of grin. Her toes tickled. She stomped one foot.
"No," his voice went husky almost in a whisper, his eyes glued to her amusing action, "it doesn't sound silly at all. At least, not to me. It sounds very humane."
She blushed from his intense gaze, as their eyes met.
"I almost forgot what an animal lover you were. One of the few things we have in common."
He looked away, a muscle in his jaw working overtime. "My closest pet was a dog, a husky."
"What happened to him?"
Why hadn't she known all this about him, before? Had she been so blindly infatuated with him that she barely knew him at all?
"There was a logging accident. A good friend of mine got buried by a tree; the dog rushed in to save him, and got hit by another big limb falling away. It happened several years back."
"How awful."
"Yeah." His eyes held hers again, and this time she felt something pull on her heartstrings.
Something real, something shared. They were sharing old hurts, and it felt so natural, so good. She remembered what had made her fall in love with Amory eight years ago; his love of nature and animals, for one thing. He had compassion for people; he was loyal, and, oddly enough, it was the loyalty to her father that destroyed what they might have had.
"I'll get another one, some day." he affirmed quietly, and returned to cleaning and gutting the game. Minutes later he wrapped them in freezer paper, and stuck them in the huge chest freezer against the wall of the lean-to.
"How's the hand?" she asked, glancing at the small bandage, and taking his hand in hers for a moment.
"A little stiff and sore, but I disinfected it." His voice went softer as his eyes traveled to their hands.
Her cheeks had to be flaming, they felt so hot. She let go of his hand slowly, not wanting to put meaning to it.
"Funny," she mused aloud, moving away from his disturbing presence, "—but I don't remember us talking like this eight years ago."
"We didn't share much of ourselves back then," he cleared his throat and looked away again. "Youth makes you shy and backward at that age. Too many hormones crowding you I guess. And…you didn't need to talk as much then." Kasie nodded. "Too busy feeling."
It would do no good talking about the past. And yet, the need lingered.
Needing a distraction, she scanned the lean-to quickly, taking in the homemade canned goods along one wall. The lean-to was full of food. The man had a grocery store, she acknowledged.
"My, you're stocked, aren't you?"
Amory nodded, a slight smile lingering on his handsome face as he turned away from her, to put his knife in the deep-welled sink once more. He rinsed it, and set it into a drawer under the counter.
"My neighbors and I trade off meat for vegetables."
"Nice trade off."
Then he was staring at her again, coming closer until he was right in front of her. Her heart stopped beating for a few seconds; her throat went dry, and her eyes evaded his.
"Are you sure you're not afraid of me, Kasie?"
Only of falling in love with you again.
"N-no, of course not. Why would I be afraid of you?" 
"Good question."
He walked right past her. She let her breath out, disappointment mingled with relief. She had forgotten his charisma, something she had never fully understood. It was like a spell, his charm.
They went inside the cabin without another word, shutting the snow and wind from the warmth of the cabin.
"Why aren't you wearing the clothes we bought yesterday?"
Kasie glanced on the big bed where a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt lay sprawled. "Because I must not have paid much attention to size. They don't fit. I never should have gotten them."
"There's a parka in the closet that should work nicely for going in and out of the lean-to. The one you picked out is warm, but not good enough for blizzard weather."
Kasie glanced at the clothes."So, where is Tanka?"
"He should be here any time now." 
"Do you think he'll remember me?" 
"He'll remember."
"I sensed he didn't like me back then."
"And why is that?" 
"Just a feeling."
"He liked you, but he thought you were too young too innocent."
 She nodded. "He was right. I was terribly naïve back then. I liked him. He had such a sense of humor."
Amory shot her a quizzical look. "Yeah, I guess. Well, feel free to make yourself at home, Kasie, I'll be back before dark."
He went to the closet and took out a few things before returning to her side.
"W-where are you going?" She prodded him. After all, it wasn't as if he was going down to the local grocery store or cafe. This was the big middle of nowhere, and he was leaving!
His eyes took her in, with one sweep of those long dark lashes. Amory didn't know he was sexy; he had no idea. But the things he did to a woman with just a look, could melt the snow outside in a hurry.
"I'm gonna get a line on Ole Blue. See if he's been bothering anyone else around here. If I don't, the rangers will get wind of his snooping, and take care of him for good. You stay put, you'll be just fine."
"Stay put? Not on your life. I'll come with you," she declared, grabbing the jeans her father had paid for, and pulling the curtain around the bed so she could change.
"No." His voice held no room for argument. "It's no place for a woman. Besides, your father might arrive any time."
Kasie shook her head adamantly, as she scrambled from the curtain in her new jeans and shirt outfit. Kasie shrugged her indifference away, her interest piqued at chasing a bear. "A woman? What's that's supposed to mean? You know you really need to work on your macho routine, it's outdated."
He turned to stare her down. His eyes moved slowly over her tight jeans that she was swallowed in. "You don't belong out there."
 "Now look, I was raised in this kind of country. Don't be such a male chauvinist, Amory. And don't judge me so quickly. I was a Girl Scout, remember? You practically trained me yourself. You know as well as I do that I'm as capable as any man. Besides, I've still got a little of that tomboy in me."
Humoring her for a second, he smiled again, as though her words warmed him. "Look, I'm proud you were a Girl Scout, and I'm even glad you still remember the tomboy, because the way things look around here, you just might need that experience. But you're not coming with me, and that's all there is to that, honey."
The way he called her honey, so naturally, as though it were commonplace, as though it just tumbled out of his mouth before he realized it, both confused and pleased her. At least he no longer considered her a brat. Still, he hadn't that right any longer. She needed to establish that fact. And she wasn't about to let him leave her.
"Of course I am," she blurted out.
"Oh, no, you're not!"
"You can't just leave me here alone. And if I have to be here, I might as well enjoy some of it."
He bent his head a little closer. "You just said you were a Girl Scout, didn't you?" His finger dotted her nose, and an electric current a half- mile wide raced up her spine. When would she learn not to react to this man?
"Besides, it looks as though you're going to have enough problems not busting out of those jeans."
"That's all right, I'll manage," she protested, pulling the shirt up and tying it under her breast.
 
"I've got a neighbor with a kid about your size, I'll check with him when I get back."
Him! Yes, she was built more like a gangly young boy than a woman. Just once, she wished she could fill out clothes like a curvaceous woman, just to show him a thing or two. He probably still saw her as a tomboy.
"Great!" she said, not able to harness all her anger.
"Look, I'd take you with me, but I'm not sure what I might run into. You're safer here than out there. I don't want to have to worry about you, too. And there is always the possibility that your father will show up."
Worry? About her? Since when did he ever worry about her?
About to refute his statement, she noticed that he had turned and left without another word.
Suddenly determined, she grabbed his gun from the corner of the kitchen where he had left it, the parka he had mentioned, and stalked out the door.
She didn't intend sitting in a cabin all day, waiting on her father. If she had to be stuck here, she at least wanted to enjoy it.
Although he was out of sight, she tracked him.
He left big clear prints too, and Kasie had no trouble picking them up. The fresh snow made it easy.
Kasie felt exhilarated, chasing Amory like a child playing hide and seek games. She'd show him a thing or two about women. Where did he ever get the idea that women were helpless little creatures?
It had been much too long since she had had fun; since she'd lived with her father, actually. A computer programmer didn't get an excursion like this very often, she reasoned. For the past three years she had felt like a "Walter Mitty", dreaming of outdoor adventures that she wanted so badly to experience again. She wanted adventures she could someday tell her children about. If she had any children. If she ever married. If, if, if.
Little did she know what Amory was up to. He had baited a trap, and was waiting for her to walk into it.
Without warning, Kasie was flung high into the air, dangling from a low branch of hemlock. She screeched at the top of her lungs.
"Amory, you get me down from here, this instant!"
Coming from behind a clump of heavy brush, he roared with laughter. "Some scout you are! You walked right into it. Now, are you going to be a good little girl, and go back to the cabin where you belong?"
"I will not. Are you going to cut me down?"
"Nope," he drawled, his smile widening, "I'll see you on my way back, then."
"Amory, this isn't funny," she yelled indignantly. "Oh, I don't know. Depends on which angle you're looking at it from," he said with a grin, and started trotting off.
"Amory?" she screamed, but she was obviously screaming at a brick wall.
"Do you give up?" He was nowhere in sight.
"Not in your lifetime," she bellowed mutinously. 
"Too bad. Better keep that shirt on, it might get a little cool like that." He emerged from a bush not far away, and smiled as he glanced at the exposed section of stomach.
He turned again and was almost out of sight when she yelled, "Wait—Okay, I give up."
 With a triumphant laugh, he returned to the scene of his crime, and climbed the tree halfway to cut the rope from which she was dangling. When he did, she fell to the ground with a loud thud.
"Why, you swine!" she hollered, as she tried in vain to catch her fall. Straightening herself, she stalked towards the cabin, muttering every foul name she could think of, as she rubbed her backside.
She could hear his laughter halfway back to the cabin. He allowed her no dignity in her surrender. He was a hard foe. What nerve. The gall! It would serve him right if she reported this crude little incident to her father. If anyone could straighten Chayton Amory out, it was John Douglas.
But then, whose side would her father take? She hadn't contemplated that. After eight years, she couldn't be certain of anything. She hadn't just walked out on Amory and their impending marriage, but her father, as well; a tinge of guilt burned the pit of her stomach.
The morning seemed ruined. What had started out as a nice day was over. Chayton Amory had ruined her day, for the second time in two days.
A noisy bird followed her with song from the treetops, and she stopped to glance upward.
"Oh, shut up, what do you know?" she hollered aloud at the songster.
Safely back at the cabin, Kasie's anger festered. Damn Amory's hide for leaving her alone in the middle of nowhere. He expected her to find her way back. Expected her to! How could he be sure she would? Perhaps he didn't care. Perhaps he wished she'd fall off a cliff and break her neck, and he'd be done with this whole affair.
 As the day wore on, Kasie's anger thinned. She began busying herself with supper preparations. Not that she cared whether Amory ate or not, but she wanted a good meal.
She went to the freezer and dragged out a bag marked chili. Back inside the cabin, she put it in a pan of shallow water to thaw. Could she cook? She'd show him. He had no idea what culinary delights she had learned since leaving her father.
Once she had everything in preparation, she shrugged heavily, realizing that there was little to do. She glanced at the old trunk at the foot of the bed. She really shouldn't pry, but then, why not? He had barged back into her life, uninvited. Why shouldn't she do a little barging, too? She was just beginning to dig into it, when she heard an unfamiliar noise coming from just outside the kitchen window.
Thinking it was Amory; she put the lid down on the trunk and went to the window.
It seemed very still outside.
"Okay, Amory, you can come out of those bushes now. I know you're out there." She said as she cracked the window, but heard no reply.
Ignoring it, she started to move away when suddenly a loud rushing noise scared her, and the bushes outside gave a big heave. Out came the biggest, blue-black bear she had ever seen in her life. But then what did she know; she hadn't seen any bears except at the zoo.
The hair on his body bristled, and his back seemed to carry a decided hump to it, like a Grizzly, even though his coloring was much darker, his nose a little longer. This had to be Ole Blue!
"So now what do I do?" Kasie whispered aloud, as though there might be a reply.
 She tried to concentrate on his rare beauty, but his gnarling mouth opening for a tremendous roar brought her attention front and center again. Dear God, what a horrific noise!
"Make you a deal; I'll leave you alone, if you'll do the same for me."
He roared again, this time making eye contact with her, and eye contact with a bear could be very unsettling, she soon discovered. First and last time she wanted any contact with a bear!
Clowns, people had often labeled them. Well, he didn't look like a clown. She'd certainly never laugh at him. No, instead he looked miserable, as though he needed some sort of understanding. Lord, now she was analyzing bears.
The bear's natural instincts seemed to be guiding him straight for the cellar. Exactly where Amory had dressed out the game this morning. Of course, he had smelled the food and come running.
"You can't do that," she protested aloud.
She couldn't just stand by and watch him undo all of the repairs Amory had made. More than likely Amory would blame her for it, not the bear.
Glancing frantically about the cabin, Kasie searched for a weapon of some kind. Any kind. Not that she'd use a gun if she had one, but she might just have to.
The gun, she suddenly remembered was back on the trail where she had dropped it when Amory pulled his little stunt. At least Amory wasn't here to witness her cowardice.
Ole Blue looked more hungry than angry, and she only wanted to reassure herself she wasn't on his menu.
 While she grabbed the butcher knife Amory had left on the kitchen counter, Ole Blue busied himself, trying to knock down the lean-to door. She heard his thundering paw banging against it, and the creaking of the door he made with each slam.
If this was some kind of scare tactic on his part, it was working!
Kasie felt her knees shaking, and tried to calm herself. Still, if she let this bear destroy the lean-to, they would be out of food, in the middle of a winter storm. She opened the refrigerator, and took out a slab of bacon. She threw it out the window, closing it quickly.
Ole Blue glanced at the bacon, then her. For a minute it looked as though he might ignore the offering, then he lunged for it. Pawing and pulling with a roar, he devoured it like an appetizer.
Kasie gulped hard, feeling the knot in the back of her throat. There had to be at least a pound of bacon there, and it was gone in one big gulp. Now what? As he devoured the last tidbit, he roared again, as if to say, "Where's the rest?"
"Pig!" He continued gorging himself. He seemed perfectly content to let her feed him, but the food supply was quickly running low. Panic began to grip Kasie, like a tight hand around her throat. Her heart began to pound in her ears; her lips beaded with sweat. What if it wasn't enough? Why hadn't she remembered all those signs along the road coming up," Don't feed the bears!"
When every morsel was gone, Ole Blue eyed her once more. Kasie's stomach knotted till it pained her, and sweat trickled from her forehead. She couldn't keep the memory of all those bear movies out of her head.
 "Dear God, don't they bury their victims until they get hungry again? Bury them alive! Well, not without one helluva fight, he won't."
She grabbed the big butcher knife from the sink, and gripped it tightly with one hand.
Ole Blue took a couple of steps towards the cabin, then a shot rang out. He let out a yelp, and scampered away like a whipped pup. It all happened so fast, Kasie had to wipe her eyes to make sure she hadn't imagined it.
Leaning against the kitchen wall, Kasie clutched her chest. She couldn't move. She hadn't realized just how scared she was until now. Her legs suddenly went to jelly. She hadn't fully recovered when the door flew open, and Amory walked in, stomping the snow from his big boots at the door, bigger than life itself.
Without regard, Kasie threw her arms around his neck, the knife dangling from one hand, and flung herself solidly against him. He was hard as a rock, and she felt suddenly so protected.
What a cocoon he offered, as his arms came around her. It was tempting to stay there forever.
What was she thinking? Had she lost her mind? This was Amory, the man that despised her.
"Sorry," she murmured backing away from him, her eyes not quite meeting his.
"For what?" His eyes blazed.
She forgot the knife still dangling in her hand, and that she was clutching it so hard her knuckles were turning white, until his eyes lowered. She tossed it in the sink, and rubbed her hands together.
He started to pull her back into his arms, but she pushed him away.
 "I—I don't need your comfort," she insisted, holding her head high.
He looked as though he was summing up the situation. He stood rock still, then slowly—shook his head.
"No, you probably don't. You're a strong woman. But you do need a scolding. My God, Kasie, feeding a bear! I'd have thought even you would know better."
She faced him, the shock of his words like a hard slap on the face.
How long had he been out there? Had he witnessed everything?
"If I hadn't come back when I did, you might have been in real trouble," he added, stalking the small space between them.
He seemed bigger than life, and more dangerous than Ole Blue.
Kasie's emotions erupted like a volcano. She didn't know if she should throw something at this big brute, or just be thankful he came back when he did.
"I found his den," he was saying, still pacing, not looking directly at her. "It's not far from here.
Something is going to have to be done about him. Otherwise, we'll have regular visits. Especially since you decided to feed him. Now he knows exactly where to come. He'll be worse than any pet you've ever known." He glanced down at her as she blinked hard.
"Never, I mean never, feed a bear. Because if you should fail to fill him—," he paused his eyes going over her thoroughly. "Do you understand?"
When she said nothing, he grabbed her by the shoulders and shook her until her head fell backwards, her hair splayed over her shoulders like white silk.
Hot tears stung her eyes. She wasn't afraid of him or the bear right now. No, right now she was angry.
So angry that she wanted to strike out at him.
Not once, not once had he bothered to compliment her on saving his precious lean-to. No, instead he was reprimanding her for feeding an obviously hungry old bear. She felt like the unsung hero.
"Listen," she said squaring her shoulders and facing him, finally. One finger shot out to punch him in the chest, "you insensitive bully." She came boldly closer. "I don't need your lectures. And I won't stand here another minute listening to you rant and rave.
I'm sorry I didn't do the right thing, according to Chayton Amory, the wilderness expert. But you left me here alone. Alone! Without adequate protection! I did everything, I mean everything, I possibly could think of. And for your information, I saved you're damned lean-to for you."
She was seething, the fury building within her as she approached him, and wishing she hadn't thrown the knife down so soon. "Saved my—"
"So stop giving me lectures on bears." Disbelief registered on his face. 
"Why, you ungrateful little brat! I ought to turn you over my knee and blister the tar out of you. Don't you realize the danger you were in? You may not need my lectures," he stated, his voice rough and ragged, "... but you sure as hell need this ..." he muttered as he jerked her none too gently back into his arms, and his lips clamped down on hers with such finality even she couldn't fight it.
 Ice met fire! Cold met hot!
Rampant emotions washed through Kasie like a high tide at sea. Like the tide itself, his lips washed over hers in unhurried motions. Wave after wonderful wave. Fighting and yielding became one and the same. She had to fight him, for he had stolen her heart once. He could easily do it again. Somewhere, in the back of her mind, she knew she should be struggling against this sweet torture, but it died a slow, sizzling death. How could she fight the rightness of it? Amory was kissing her, and she blanked out everything else.
Her mind warred with her suddenly yielding body, not ready or willing to accept her own surrender. It became a battle of the senses. Sensations whirled her into a mindless void where only lovers met.
This was Amory, her Amory. And the right of it homed in on her. His lips were sugar and salt, sweet to the taste, and oh, so tempting, warm and moist and conquering. Only Amory could conquer her, and leave her trembling. His smell evoked images of the great outdoors, and of male dominance, of man itself.
A man of the earth, he tantalized her imagination.
Yet with surprising restraint he managed to pull away long enough to look down into her face, questioningly. His smile was like a warm blanket, possessive.
Pride held her still for a long moment as she forced her exposed emotions under control. But she managed to capture all his attention as she wiped her still-quivering lips roughly with the back of her shirt sleeve. The hard truth of the matter was, he had said nothing to change things in reality, only in her dreams.
 
As though her wiping it away could erase the exquisite memory, she thought hysterically. Nothing would be the same again, and she knew it. Despite how he affected her, she quickly realized she had to veil those thoughts of surrender. Amory didn't love her, and she had to keep remembering that. Love her? Where had that come from? He probably hated her for what she had done to him.
The silence between them crackled with tension. "Kasie, I'm sorry ..." he began.
That did it. Sorry? That brought her back to reality—fast. Sorry, of course he was sorry. He had merely forgotten who he was holding.
"Look, I've made chili for supper, and cornbread. I'll heat it, while you get washed up." Kasie turned abruptly away and changed the subject before she said something she might regret. There were so many things going around in her head right now, she didn't know what to say.
When he didn't answer, she shot him a glance over her shoulder.
His look devoured her, making her weak in the knees, as though he still possessed her. She turned away again. She couldn't look at him. She seriously doubted she ever could again.
But seconds later he let out a slight chuckle. "Now that's chili!"
She did look at him. And he was smiling at her. She'd won. She'd been kissed by Chayton Amory and hadn't shown a sign of outward emotion. She'd proven that she could cook. She was proving all kinds of things—except to herself. So why wasn't she elated over her victories?


Chapter Five


Amory watched her from the doorway for a long moment, his mind twisting with memories best forgotten. He didn't want to remember how things were. He didn't want to think about the way she had followed him everywhere eight years ago, laughing at his jokes, listening to his hopes and dreams. She was the only person who ever listened to his dreams and didn't laugh or make a snide remark. He'd loved that about her.
Just the sight of this woman stirred something primitive within him. Something he didn't want to put a name to. Something he honestly never allowed himself to put a name to. Ah, hell. He knew exactly what it was; he just didn't want to admit it to himself, or to anyone else, for that matter. If the young Kasie stirred his blood, the new, mature Kasie stirred his being, making him want to protect her, love her, and be with her. He wanted to make her his.
He had to get his mind off her, somehow. Everything he had set out to accomplish was slowly coming into play, only he wasn't enjoying it as much as he thought he would. Maybe true revenge wasn't that sweet. Dammit, this wasn't like him. Sure, deep down he wanted some revenge, but after last night, after having her in his arms again, he quickly realized revenge wouldn't do a bit of good. He still wanted Kasie—all of her, but on her terms. He wanted her to want him, and to freely admit it, from her heart.
He didn't want to care. He knew it was futile to care. Yet part of him knew he did and always would.
He'd kicked himself in the head a dozen times or more for being so stupid, but that deep down, a dull ache in his gut told him he better keep on kicking.
The truth was the rightness between him and Kasie. She was the closest he'd come to finding a woman for himself. She could make him ten feet tall, or take him down to the lowest denominator. He loved it.
What a vision she was. He hadn't wanted to be attracted to her, then or now. She wasn't for him, he kept telling himself. She was going to be married soon. She was John's daughter, for God's sake!
He couldn't help admiring her grit, her free spirit, her determination to survive no matter what circumstance he threw at her. And he deliberately threw a few of them her way. Deep down it was the independence she fought so hard for, from her parents, that made him admire her the most. It was a hard battle fighting Ava and John, too. He knew that much for fact.
What irritated him so was that he admired all that spit and fire in her.
He secretly liked the way she cared how much he smoked. He liked her soft heart for animals. Hell, he just liked her! Kasie was quite a woman.
Lord, the woman could kiss too, and being a gentleman had just gotten harder. He didn't want to be a gentleman, not any more. He wanted to take her to his bed, and make her his, the way it should have been eight years ago. Then, she had still been a child, now she was the most beautiful creature he'd ever seen. Maybe that was the problem she was a woman now, not a cute, naive little kid. But no matter the age, she was still Kasie, deep down, where it counted, and he recognized it.
What had her life been like for the past eight years? With Ava she must have wanted for nothing. Yet something about her newfound independence told him she didn't wallow in luxury. She didn't take advantage of people, she appreciated them.
She was tall for a woman, but he liked that, he could kiss her with such ease, his mind escaped a moment. Kissing Kasie was the most pleasurable thing in the world. Unlike most women she was as primitive as he. She let herself feel. 
She was till a tomboy to some extent, but she had refined those qualities too. 
He had deliberately sought women with robust figures, and short, they had to be short. He chuckled to himself, but no one had fit against him better than Kasie. Every time he took her in his arms, he felt God himself had made her body just for him. He was Adam; she was Eve. He raised his eyes to the heavens, and prayed silently for some guidance. His faith had always kept him strong.
She felt like the missing link to a puzzle. How could anything so right, be so wrong?
He had called her a brat, to hurt her a little. He had to keep alive the memory of how she had hurt him; nurture it, so he didn't fall victim to it again.
That famous Kasie charm was fatal to him. She was charming as a rattlesnake, but he liked it. Thrived on it. There verbal arguments were foreplay.
He wished more than ever that he could find a fatal flaw in her, something to deter him from wanting her.
His eyes went over her more slowly, soaking in the beauty of her. Her face was still like butter cream, except when he managed to embarrass her, and her hair like the silver strings of a harp. He wondered what it would be like to run his fingers through the quicksilver every morning. Her eyes looked innocent, restless, and the color of the sea. Strangely enough, he could still read most of her expressions.
Don't let yourself get too carried away, she's not for you, he scolded himself silently. She never had been. She belonged to a man named Springer, now, and the sooner he expelled her from his life, the sooner he could get on with his own.
 Still, his curiosity got the best of him at times. What was this Springer character like? Had Ava picked him out? Did Kasie truly love the man? He doubted it. How could she love another when she kissed him like there was no tomorrows. 
She hadn't mentioned Rick to him. She didn't look as though she were pining for him, either.
The proud Indian side warred continuously with the temperamental Irish. Chayton wanted answers too. Just like her father.
This temporary reunion was a good thing, he was facing the adversary of his heart.
He was deep into thought when she whirled around to put the quilts up, and saw him standing in the open doorway, staring.
"I didn't hear you come in. Shut the door please, it's already getting cold in here."
He bolted the door, not liking the intimacy it threw the room into. He needed space, lots of space. Right now, he felt as though the whole damned mountain wasn't big enough for the two of them.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. Actually, I've been talking to your father this morning on the ham radio. I'm afraid you aren't going to like the news."
His eyes avoided hers. Kasie let the quilts fall from her arms on to the top of the trunk, then thrust her hands in her jeans pockets, as she stared long and hard at him.
The jeans fit tight, accenting her barely rounded hips, and those small jutting breasts almost pierced the big sweatshirt she wore. She had no idea what a cute little clown she made, a very tempting clown. His loins tightened.
"Why didn't you wake me? I'd like to have spoken with him myself. Perhaps we could have settled this whole thing over the radio."
When he didn't respond, she slumped her shoulders in tired resignation. "Don't tell me, let me guess, he's not coming, is he?" Amory didn't say a word, he didn't have to; she made it up as she went along. He let her. "I'm not so sure you're not a kidnapper, after all. Maybe you have some sinister reason for doing this. Like revenge? Although knowing what my dad thinks of you, I can't understand why you'd try it. He'd never forgive you this."
Amory stirred sugar and cream into his coffee, and looked at her over the rim. Anger stared him in the face. Blatant, bald-faced anger. She had every right. She hadn't called him any more names than he had already labeled himself with, but it looked as though they were truly stuck with each other. Somehow, they were going to have to work this out.
"He's coming; it's just taking him longer than he anticipated."
"How much longer?"
Amory took one big swig of coffee, then placed his cup down on the kitchen counter and folded his arms over his chest. Would he have to do battle every day with her? Couldn't she give him a break once in a while?
"Now look, before you get that temper of yours out of hand, I'd like you to listen. I know how this looks, and I don't like it any better than you do." He watched her firm her lips, and saw her furrowed brow.
"It isn't his or anyone's fault. The government down there won't let any Americans leave the country. It's a political issue of some kind. He wants you to wait for him. Said to tell you if Rick Springer really loves you, he'll wait."
"He's still in South America? My God," she gasped. "This is impossible!" Tears sparkled in her eyes.
Amory squirmed.
 "It's typical of my father, but impossible. Look, you may not realize it, but I've got a job, and—and Rick will be anxious, not to mention mother. I've got to get back! I can't stay here! You're going to have to arrange something. You got me in this mess, now I expect you to get me out of it."
"I agree. I did get you in this mess." He rolled his shoulders, as though preparing for battle. "And believe me; I'm sorry for my part in it. I don't want you here anymore than you want to be here."
He saw the quick flash of something in her eyes that surprised him. Was it something close to pain? Surely he had imagined it. He cleared his throat.
"But, I have managed to take care of a few things for you. I left Kyle with instructions on how to get hold of your Mother and explain the situation. At least they will not have search parties out after you."
"Kyle?"
"Yes, my neighbor with the ham radio."
"I suppose that was thoughtful of you. Although I don't know how anyone could explain this, so it makes sense. Even though I'm sure you didn't do it for my benefit. By now everyone is probably frantic. I haven't seen a paper since I arrived, but I'm sure the reporters are having a field day with this one. My God, no phone, no papers, it's like some kind of magnificent hideout. What are you, a complete recluse?" She glanced at him again when he didn't say anything.
She babbled on.
"Mother's probably in a tirade. And I've got to confess, I'm beginning to wonder about this situation. So," she faced him squarely, "if you are a kidnapper, why don't you at least admit it? I mean, what can I do?"
 
He couldn't blame her for the direction her thoughts were taking her. It did look like some sort of set up, and it was.
"Look, I don't blame you for how you must feel. I don't even blame you for jumping to some conclusion on your own. In the same situation, so would I. But I can't help the situation any more than you can. I hadn't planned on you being stuck here more than a day or two, at the very most. Tanka's negotiating our next contract right now. We'll be back in business in a few days. I certainly don't need a woman around complicating things. But we are adults, we can cope, can't we?"
"You can't help it now, but you could have avoided it earlier? And I thought Rosie said you lost the account?" she protested, her expressive eyes saying more than she did.
"That's rumor. Besides, I've got plenty of work to do, regardless. Now look, Kasie, I've apologized. What more do you want? I can't change the weather, or your father's circumstances."
"You could have said no to my father, and that would have been the end of it." She stomped her foot and turned away. "If you hadn't come after me, he would have been forced to use a phone and get in touch."
"You know your father better than that. Being in touch isn't enough. He'd have crashed the wedding himself if I hadn't come."
"No." She slowly turned to face him again. "I guess your right about that. You never could say no to Dad. I realized that eight years ago. It would take a real man to say no to my father!"
He wouldn't dignify that with a comment. 
"This is so like him. My father is always untimely. One of my mother's biggest complaints was his inability to meet schedules. If you knew him so well, you should have suspected this might happen, and have taken precautions."
His glance hardened.
Kasie stood tall and erect, a look of exasperation lining her fresh scrubbed face. She didn't need make- up to make her beautiful. Kasie's beauty was her spirit. He loved it, and he hated it, and he wanted her right this minute.
 "Just tell me one thing, Amory. If you aren't a kidnapper, and this is really on the level, why does my father want to stop this wedding? I mean, what possible good will it do?"
It was a fair question, and a question that deserved an answer. How could he answer without sending her into another rage?
"Look, I don't want to get in the middle of it."
"In the middle of it?" she practically screamed at him. "Don't you think bringing me here automatically put you in the middle?"
"Point taken," he sighed heavily, not looking directly at her as he spoke. Lying wasn't in his nature. "Since you asked, I'll tell you what I know about it. He wanted to postpone the wedding for a while. Ask you a few questions about this guy. It seems…he doesn't trust this Rick Springer."
"Trust him. He doesn't know him. Just…tell me why he wanted to talk to me…"
He saw her head jerk up, and she stared coldly at him. "Something about Rick's temperament."
"He thinks Rick beats me?" she cried aloud, unable to help herself.
"Does he?"
"No—of course not. He's got a temper, but he's never used it on me. He knows better. I can handle myself."
"I've no doubt of that. But your father thinks otherwise. He doesn't think you are capable of making up your own mind about anything, from what I gather. Personally, I think he's wrong, but that's your father's opinion. He mentioned your mother's constant interference in your life in the past few years. Said he'd read some things about this Springer he didn't like. That's about it. That's all I know."
She said nothing, seeming to taste his words.
He took a step closer. 
"He said he's managed to stay out of your business too long as it were. John's never dealt with guilt very well. If you knew how bad he's felt about letting Ava have her way for the past eight years, you'd understand. She wanted him completely out of your life. She pushed him out. She even went so far as to have your name changed."
"She didn't do that, I did. As soon as I left, eight years ago."
Amory felt his tempter flaring, but he had to bide his time, they weren't talking about their relationship, only hers and her father. No use living with an exploding time bomb. "I guess when he saw you were engaged to a rock star, he decided he'd been silent long enough."
When he realized he wasn't getting anywhere, he approached her differently. "Maybe he's not giving the guy a fair break; it's hard to say, but he's only trying to help. I'm sure he doesn't want to see you become an old maid, but ..."
Kasie's finely arched brow rose a quarter of an inch. "Old maid! I'm only twenty-six! And for your information, a woman doesn't have to marry a man these days, either. People can live together, perfectly happy without the benefit of marriage."
"That's true for some. So why are you marrying him?"
Her mouth fell open to answer, but just as quickly shut. He'd left her speechless. It shocked him.
"Some might live together as you put it. But I wouldn't put you in that category, Kasie. No, you're the marrying kind."
"Marrying kind? Marrying bed." She tossed her head in the direction of his bed. "What makes Chayton Amory the marriage expert, anyway?" 
When he refused to rise to her baiting, she went on. "Is that how you see me, helpless? You're remembering a naive little child. I'm a woman now, fully grown, able to fend for myself, and make my own decisions without the help of either of my parents. Father never could accept my growing up."
Her eyes flashed dramatically at him. Pain jumped into his heart, stabbing him; he loved the fire within her. It was part of what made him love her so much, back then, her spirit. Whether she knew it or not, they were like one at times, making her even more appealing to him. 
Grown, yes, she was grown, into a beautiful woman. By now, had they married they would have had a couple of children—but they hadn't. And the loss stared him blatantly in the face. So this is what he missed and craved so deeply—a family of his own— and her. The stark realization that he needed this woman to be complete himself, rattled him.
"This is none of his business. It's a little late. And what, of all things, has my mother got to do with my life?"
Amory felt uncomfortable with her questions. He needed her compliance.
He shrugged heavily, knowing he must give her some answer. "He seems to think she's been managing your life, and doing a poor job of it."
She gasped, and Amory remembered the sweet taste of her from last night. The problem was, he remembered much too much about that kiss. In fact, he remembered every detail, her taste, her feel, her smell. He wanted a repeat, and he wanted it now.
"Managing my life. My Mother! And so now he wants to manage it again. It figures. In some ways, they are so alike. They actually fight over who gets control."
"I'm just repeating what he said."
"He actually thinks Mother picked Rick out for me? Dear God, I hadn't realized how he was thinking. Yes," she said slowly, her eyes averted to the floor, "I can see that now."
 He drew closer. "So now you know. And it hasn't made the least difference."
Kasie's voice rose with her anger and frustration as he approached her. "Look, he's wrong. Dead wrong. My mother doesn't manage me! And Rick doesn't beat me."
Her foot tapped against the floor until he glanced at it.
"No one controls me! Not anymore! And not that she hasn't tried, Lord help me," she admitted lamely, "but my mistakes have been my own."
"Really," he drawled arrogantly, ". . .is Rick a mistake?"
"Maybe you should take your own advice and stay out of it."
"Was walking out on me a mistake?" He queried, his shoulders tensing for her answer. He needed this answer more than she would ever know.
She glanced up at him. "No!" The word was simple, but her expression said so much more than her words. She was lying, to herself, to him. "No, that wasn't a mistake. Probably the smartest thing I've ever done for both our sakes."
He bristled.
He should have let it slide, but somehow he just couldn't. "Both our sakes?"
"It wasn't your fault, even I realize that. Father can be very controlling."
"Can he? You seem to think your father is the only man on earth with a mind of his own. You think for yourself, but don't think I'm capable of having one solitary thought. Did it never occur to you I might have wanted to marry you?"
 "Why should it? You never said anything." She stared at him for a moment, and her expression weakened under his intense glare.
"Three little words. That's all it would have taken for me to believe it."
"Perhaps a man's actions should speak louder than his words," he thundered. He saw the rise and fall of her breast, the hurt and anguish of rehashing, within her. He wanted to hold her, tell her now how much he had loved her, but knew that it would be futile until she could trust him. Still, her unshed tears made him long to hold her, caress her, and reassure her.
She blinked and turned away. "That was a long time ago. Whatever mistakes were made no longer matter. I know my own mind! I've always known my own mind!"
"Then you knew what you were doing last night?"
"Last night?"
"You were flirting with me, admit it."
Her lips quivered. "Flirting? I most certainly was not. I was just stunned by your damned bear," she gasped with indignation.
"You've been flirting with me ever since you got here."
She glared up at him, her green eyes turning emerald. "Why, you swine!" She raised her hand to slap his face, and was captured by one big hand.
He held her hand for a moment, enjoying the way it melted into his, and stared down into her angry face. Oh, how he wanted her, here and now! His body tensed with needs, his loins already in waiting. "Now wait a minute. Let's face a few facts here. If you can respond to me, you've got to be some kind of frivolous lady. Especially since you were supposed to marry someone else, and you dumped me eight years ago. What man in his right mind could dare take you seriously?"
"Respond to you? But I never meant ..." She looked like a crippled little animal, not knowing where to turn next. Sure, it had been eight years ago, things had changed, but the feeling between them hadn't, not if her kisses were any measure. He could see that clearly. He couldn't stop the laughter that ripped from his throat. "Yes, you did. And I can't help but feel a little sorry for this Rick character. Although, for all I know, you might deserve each other."
"You've no right—"
"I, of all people, have every right. I almost married you, too."
Kasie's cheeks were blotted with crimson; her emerald eyes sparkling with life. She was gorgeous when she was mad, he smiled inwardly. He wanted her, and he wanted to stop wanting her. He wanted her to put out the fire between them, squelch the hidden emotions, and make them both face the past with honesty. He wanted some kind of end to this torture.
"You've no right to talk now. You know nothing about me, or Rick. I've been kissed a few times. So what? Did it ever occur to you that I might be conniving a way out of here, rather than flirting with you? You stand there like the judge and jury. What right have you? Just because I was scared witless by a bear doesn't make me a flirt. Besides, you don't have all the facts."
She doubled her fists automatically and pummeled his chest.
 Like a vise, his huge hands covered hers and held them suspended above her head as he peered down into her flushed face, rendering her helpless. Her eyes widened with anticipation.
He had her exactly where he wanted her. "Someone needs to talk to you like this, and since your father isn't here to do it, I'll have to be the one. Take some advice. If you really care about this Rick, stop flaunting yourself at every man that comes along. Namely me. That was not conniving, I've been kissed before, too."
His eyes suddenly met hers, jolting the socks off him. If only she were as innocent as she appeared. "Give him half of what you offered me last night, and you might make the marriage work."
She looked as though she were struggling to hold back the tears, choking on her words as they finally came out. "Flaunt myself? Why, you're a raving lunatic."
"Am I?" he asked, his voice softening; his eyes going over her with gentle thoroughness. His head began to lower, and his lips seemed to hover just above hers. "Want me," his mind screamed at her.
"Hear my words, Little Dove." He spoke the magic of his heritage, romantic magic she hadn't heard before. Magic from his heart, his soul, pouring out to her.
He heard the air rushing from her lungs, saw the small bead of sweat pepper her upper lip, and he ignited the fire in those sea green eyes. He could almost taste the sweetness of her pink lips. Anticipating, he coached himself to wait a little longer. He wanted her willingly in his arms, just as she had willingly kissed him back last night.
"I know what you're doing," she pleaded. Her small breasts heaved like tiny pine needles against his chest through the cotton of her sweatshirt, and he closed the distance between them with a groan.
The heat between them sizzled like cold water on a hot skillet. The air crackled. Too many clothes, he grumbled inwardly, always too many damned clothes.
Then she pushed him away, her eyes never leaving his. "You want your revenge, don't you? You think I don't know? You think I'm still the naive little girl you once knew? Okay, you can have it."
His eyes gleamed with victory as they traveled her, but she held her head high. "You can have all of me."
A pain older than time shot through him. Slowly her fingers slid the sweatshirt over her head.
At first he watched in quiet fascination until he realized what she was doing to him, and his eyes fastened hard on hers. He wouldn't look. He wouldn't give in to his baser needs this easily. She wanted him to look.
Without another word, she proceeded to peel the sweatshirt from her body, ever so slowly. Then she unfastened the bra, but still he refused himself the pleasure of feasting on her. He walked a tightrope. His entire body stretched to its limit. Her sweatshirt fell to the floor in a blur of a shadow. She stared mutinously at him.
He didn't move, didn't bat an eye, as he schooled himself not to think of her, half-naked before him. He willed himself to not move.
Next, her bra fell, and his loin tightened. He knew it was there on the floor. He knew all he had to do was lift his hands—to touch. All he had to do was drop his glance, but still, he held her gaze.
 The room filled with electrical currents, like an unnoticed forest fire. It seemed to glaze over the very air between them.
Holding her chin higher, she started to unsnap her jeans to slither out of them, but his words and expression halted her actions. Her face turned crimson, but still he did not take his eyes from hers.
"No more."
She had to know what she did to him, from the look on her face. Every muscle in his body seemed to tense, until he felt like a tightly coiled snake. He willed his arms not to hold her, his eyes not to look, his body not to go to her.
"You want me stripped of all dignities, bared to your soul. You wanted this; you can't deny it. Is this what I'm here for? Then take it!" She cried aloud, her head proud, and her body stiff.
His fisted hand reached to gently stoke her cheek, his roughened knuckles softly caressing her. "No, Little Dove," he cupped her face in his big powerful hands, hands that shook from wanting her. And the raw determination within him held him steady. Something stronger than life held him at bay. "I won't take you like this. If the time comes for us to be together, we'll both know it."
His hands threaded through her hair, holding her head gently, his fingertips tensed.
She looked as though she were about to start a tirade of excuses for her own actions, when a knock came at the door.
Both their heads turned at the same time.
"Are you expecting someone?" She scrambled to pick up her clothes. Her hands shook, her voice squeaked. She couldn't find her bra, and began frantically searching for it. She hurriedly zipped her jeans, and grabbed her shirt, covering herself.
 
He frowned, and turned away from her, to compose himself. "Are you out of your mind?"
The last thing he needed or wanted right now was company.
Still, the important thing was to find the damned bra. They both searched, scrambling like scattering chickens during a rainstorm. Finally, he found it in the chair by the desk, and, proceeding without thinking, put it on her underneath the sweatshirt, his fingers barely grazing the tips of her breast as he rushed to get it on her. His indrawn breath was the only sign of disconcertion.
Their hands fumbled. The straps wouldn't go up without taking the shirt off. Why had she put the shirt on first? She had to be flustered. His eyes met hers, and he realized her confusion. Without further regard, he practically ripped the offending bra from her. His groin tightened painfully, his eyes were like fire, raging for some sort of release from the torture of actually wanting her.
He turned away from her abruptly, as he cursed and a million stars exploded within him.
Shame seemed a hollow reprieve. He ignored shame and faced her, once more, no guilt in his eyes as they traveled up and down her in a most provocative way. She was fully clothed now, and yet he stripped her bare with his own might. He had marked her as sure as the earth stood still.
His breath grew shallow, and then suddenly the bra was forgotten. As if everything suddenly became slow motion, his eyes on hers, he threw it under the bed.
She stood very still, their eyes meeting and holding, and, as if in some dream state, for only a moment he bent and kissed her tenderly, thoroughly, as though he really meant it. The earth stood still again, as the second knock came at the door.
He let go of her reluctantly, knowing that, in time, they might have resolved this love-hate situation.
"Probably the last time I get to do that, huh?"
 She pinked. "Absolutely the last."
"Yeah."
Moving to the door, he purposely shut his mind to the scene he had created, closing his eyes tight and willing himself under control before he opened the damned door! But there were other parts of him not so willing to behave. Noticeable parts.
He groaned inwardly as he opened the door to Tanka and Gina, his brother and friend. They would never know about this from him, he vowed as he greeted them with a smile and hug.
He grabbed Tanka first, gave him an awkward hug, then Gina. However, when he turned back to Kasie, he grimaced as he realized that her breasts were firmly imprinted against the sweatshirt. Perhaps he wasn't the only one not in control. His own condition wasn't much better, and anyone who could add could have put it all together.
Without hesitation, he smiled at her. "Kasie, I guess you remember my brother, and this is Gina, his friend, our friend."
He wasn't about to explain further to any of them, especially after what had happened between him and Kasie. He could literally kill them for showing up when they did. He needed some time to assimilate what had happened between them, without interference. It wasn't supposed to end like this. He should never have let things go so far, and kept it under control. He only hoped his brother and friend would keep their curiosity to themselves.
Kasie would be gone again in a few days, and he would never see her again, and the realization that he gave a damn bothered him. Worse still, he had wanted her and hadn't taken her.
Wouldn't his revenge have been over and done with? No, he suddenly realized that wasn't the kind of revenge he sought. He wanted more than her mere body.
She was going to be married. She was John's daughter. But all the excuses in the world didn't stop him from wanting to make her his. What was wrong with him?
He needed a mountain woman; he had told himself time and again, a woman with staying power. A woman that didn't need microwaves and dishwashers. A woman that would love him, not break his heart and run. He had told himself that for eight years, and he suddenly realized that he had never once believed it. He needed Kasie. He was sure of that.
Kasie seemed to be struggling with her own composure. She had noticed her obvious body reactions, too, but did nothing to cover it up. Perhaps she wanted to embarrass him. It was too late for that, judging by their expressions. Instead she held her head high and smiled, shaking hands with Tanka and Gina Reynolds.
What must they think? For the first time in his life, Chayton Amory felt as though he might have been wrong. Had she been afraid to trust the feeling between them? She had been such a child, then; a child that taunted him, made him insane with wanting.
 The couple looked surprised, but made no comments. Chay knew Tanka would have plenty to say later, in private.
"Well," Tanka drawled effectively, giving Kasie a full-fledged once-over, "you're about the last person I expected to see here."
"I'm merely entertaining her till John arrives." Wrong word. Both heads flew up and smiles cracked. Kasie shot him an instant frown.
"You certainly don't owe us an explanation, Chay," Gina said, her red lips curling into a knowing smile. "So, you're John's daughter. Tanka's spoken of you so many times. I feel as though I know you, or should. It's a pleasure to meet you. Yes, I can see it now. The same eyes."
Gina had practically inspected Kasie like a side of beef at the market. Chay sighed, indulging Gina, and watching Kasie for any reaction.
"You know my father, too?" Kasie asked, then nodded, "But of course you do. Everyone knows him around here, don't they?"
"Not well, but I've had the pleasure of meeting him on several occasions, a nice man." Gina pursed her lips.
Chay moved protectively towards Kasie now. She looked like a little lost pup, and she had done a fine job of not losing her cool. He draped an arm over her shoulder and pulled her against him, knowing he'd get a tongue lashing from her later for the action. He felt her stiffen, and saw her total disregard for him in her eyes. She hated him at this moment.
"Gina is an airline hostess." 
"Really, how exciting."
"It gets to be old hat after a while, believe me."
 Tanka and Gina wandered further into the room, immediately striking up a conversation with Chay.
"So, are we squared away with the Boone contract?" Amory was asking, his tone indulgent as he glanced at his brother.
Tanka smiled, a big smile that nearly covered his entire face. "My brother, we needed some time off, anyway. So John's coming up here, eh?"
"Don't change the subject, little brother. Rosie told me all about it. You let Meyers beat you out of the contract, didn't you? I was afraid of that all along. I knew I should have bid on it, myself! What were you thinking?"
"Boys, boys," Gina cried, running to both of them, putting her arms around them and smiling. "Let's not fuss about something you can do nothing about. Tanka's right. You needed some time off. The two of you haven't had a vacation in years. And then there's that bathroom you keep promising to finish." 
"Yes, well, I've been reminded about that by several others already. And yes, John's coming up here. I just spoke to him in South America on the ham radio. He's been delayed."
Tanka nodded. "I heard something about a disturbance down there on the news."
As mad as Amory was about the contract, Tanka's words about the delay made up for it. His growing frown vanished as though it had never been, and he slapped his brother on the back and smiled at him.
It was obvious Kasie heard it, too.
"By the way, I've heard rumors they are after Ole Blue again," Tanka was saying, as he lit his pipe. He settled by the fire, his glance occasionally straying to Kasie, then back to his brother.
 Amory nodded, his big shoulders slumping. Funny what a strange affection he had for that silly old bear, despite the added aggravation. They went back a long way. "Yeah, they aren't just rumors. He's become a real nuisance. He nearly ransacked this place the other day. And we aren't the only ones, so I'm told. I scouted the area and found his den. He's not even bothering to stock up for winter. He's just a tired and very spoiled old bear. And thanks to Kasie here, he'll be back, I'm afraid."
Everyone's eyes turned on her, as though she had suddenly torched the cabin.
"Yes, Ole Blue paid her a rather untimely visit, and she decided to feed him."
Amory didn't bother hiding his enjoyment. "But I guess we should be thanking her, she did save the lean-to."
Tanka quirked a brow. "Saved it?" 
"That's her story."
Kasie sneezed, and started to explain, but they went on chatting and changing the subject.
Amory shot her a reproving glance, "Better get some socks on those feet, Kasie."
She wiggled her bare feet, and shrugged, deliberately ignoring his advice.
"So, how long will you be staying, Kasie?" Gina asked, moving a strand of raven hair out of her eyes, and adjusting her beautiful yellow ski suit as she sat by the fire on the floor.
"Not a minute longer than I have to, I assure you. I'm afraid my father is being his regular untimely self."
"Some things can't be prevented," Amory said with a scowl. "Kasie is understandably upset at the delay of her father, and her impending marriage being put on the shelf, so to speak."
"Delay being the key word," she added, fueling their curiosity. Gina seemed to notice the bed's demise, and glanced from one to the other, but had the good manners not to say anything.
"You're getting married?" Tanka and Gina both chimed, as though they had misjudged the scene.
Kasie smiled and nodded. "Yes, I am." 
"To whom?"
"Some rock star, Rick Springer, I believe. Ever heard of him?" Amory asked, a frown lining his ruggedly handsome face.
Gina nearly jumped up, her eyes sparkling with interest as she glanced at Kasie once more. It was obvious she couldn't believe Kasie was marrying Rick Springer. "Have I? Why, he's the most popular rock star on the charts toady, and the dreamiest. She's going to marry him?"
They looked incredulous.
"Still may." Amory moved about them restlessly. "You see, John wanted to stop the wedding long enough to find out if she really loves this guy. That's the reason she's here. I sort of brought her here against her will. And she's not too happy about it, either. She was under the impression her father would be here when we arrived. Needless to say, he wasn't. And of course, this blizzard isn't helping matters. There's no way she can leave. How did the two of you get up?"
"You kidnapped her?" they both shouted. Ignoring his last question, they glanced from one to the other.
 "I suppose," he answered, as his glance met Kasie's head on, "that's the way it looks, yes. But there's a little more to the story than that…"


Chapter Six


Amory stared after the Park Ranger a long time. Then his shoulders slumped, in that decided Amory slump, Kasie mused as he closed the door. She knew the news wasn't good, just by those big strong shoulders. God, she read this man so easily.
"Well, that settles that; no one's going to be coming in or out of here for a while. The storm has caused a lot of other problems that weren't anticipated. There's been a washout at the Chambers Creek Bridge just the other side of the ridge. The roads are blocked, trees are down, and there's no sign of the snow letting up for another day or two. We are officially stuck."
Gina waved an exasperated hand in the air. "Great, just great. I've got a flight tomorrow. I know it's my own fault, but I never figured on such weather this time of year. We haven't had weather like this in years. In the dead of winter, yes, but not this early."
"We all have our problems, Gina," Amory was saying, his eyes straying to Kasie more than once.
"I'm sorry honey; I should have taken you down yesterday with the rest of the tour party. I was just being selfish, I wanted you with me a little longer," Tanka said, trying to cajole Gina.
"It's not your fault. I just hope I have a job when I get back."
Join the club, Kasie thought miserably. No one was worried about her job. In fact, she had become almost oblivious since Tanka and Gina arrived, not that she minded. After her last encounter with Amory, she welcomed the distraction.
She turned he attention to the two of them.
Kasie studied Tanka silently. He had been a reluctant friend once, before Amory announced their engagement, but now he seemed friendlier, perhaps out of loyalty to his brother.
He had the most beautiful sleek, long black hair that hung to his shoulders, and deep set piercing black eyes always carried a smile. His mouth was wide and friendly, and he must have had a sense of humor, for his eyes reflected it with little crowfeet marks. He wasn't tall like Amory, but he was built strong, like a locomotive.
Kasie's eyes flitted from Tanka to Gina. She was all round and softness. Her dark eyes danced all the time, and her raven hair swung a little shorter than Tanka's. But her figure was undeniably all female.
She curved in all the right places. Nothing like herself, Kasie sighed, tall, and lanky.
The next day everyone seemed to be stepping on everyone else's toes around the cabin. But the second day started out with more organization. Amory and Tanka were busy most of the morning, and Gina didn't get up till noon. She and Gina had shared the big bed and the two men took the recliners.
It gave Kasie time for snooping. The messy desk called attention to itself.
Everything on it had to do with logging, the ecology, and forestry. From the quick assessment she made, Amory wasn't doing all that bad. And from all the notes, he seemed quite serious about the ecology, too. Somehow that made her happy. At least that was a point in his favor. Most loggers didn't care about the ecology, at least not to the extent that Amory obviously did.
Strange, but a large figure was scribbled on the pad in big red ink, and out to one side it was marked, "Paid in Full". Funny, but the writing was so different, as though those words were written with emotion, or perhaps relief.
She got a quick idea about his bookkeeping system, and shook her head. Boy, did he ever need an office manager. A computer could do wonders for his books.
She glanced about for reading material, but Forestry Journals were all she found. There was not one good mystery.
Gina finally woke up, stretched and headed for the kitchen almost immediately. They took turns with their baths, and put everything away before the men returned. The big galvanized tub was too heavy for one person, so they helped each other move it and fill it then slowly took it to the door to drain it. Kasie literally rejoiced in her first real bath. Amory's idea of a taking spit baths just wasn't enough.
"I'm famished," Gina said, casting her a glance. "There's some fresh biscuits and bacon left on the stove top," Kasie informed her, as Gina put finishing touches to her make-up and hair.
"Great, did you fix this?" Gina asked, as a few minutes later she bit into a biscuit. 
"Only in self-preservation."
"That's what I thought, those two out there would just as soon eat beef jerky for breakfast."
"Have you known them long, Gina?"
"I've known Tanka about three years. I met him on a ski trip. He introduced me to Chayton. We've been best of friends ever since."
"You're in love with Tanka, aren't you?"
Gina turned about to look at her, her face screwed up. "Yes, of course."
"He's nice. I just wish he liked me a little better."
 "But he does. He's just a little protective of his brother. That's all. He said you are about the only woman that has ever stood up to his brother and won."
"I'm not interested in Chayton Amory. I'm going to be married, remember?'
"So you said. Tanka is the best man I've ever known. Except maybe your Rick Springer, I mean the man is ultra-gorgeous."
"Yeah…I guess."
"How long have you known Chayton?"
"I met him eight years ago; when he came down to help my dad on a project. Tanka joined him later."
"Why do you call him Amory? Everyone else calls him Chayton."
Distance! Kasie's mind screamed. "Habit, I guess."
"Tanka tells me you and Chayton almost married. What happened, or would you rather not talk about it?"
Trying to make light of it, Kasie shrugged. "It just didn't work out, is all."
"That's too bad. I think the two of you would make a good couple." Gina didn't ask for details, and Kasie was glad.
"Me? And Amory?" 
"Yes."
"Never!"
"I just don't understand why you didn't fall for Tanka instead."
"Chayton had been with my dad longer, working with him. Tanka showed up a lot later. And he didn't like me at all, back then. Probably thought I was a big pest."
 "God, I think Tanka is gorgeous, he looks more Indian than Chayton, I think. Direct descendants of Crazy Horse."
"He does have beautiful black hair. I know a lot of women who'd die for that kind of hair. And a very charming smile."
"A lot of us up here are Indian, you know. I'm half myself. On my mother's side. Does Chayton being Indian have anything to do with you not wanting to marry him?"
"Why, no, where'd you get an idea like that?" Kasie whirled to look at Gina.
"From Tanka actually. He said something to that effect. I'm glad. So, are you really going to marry Rick Springer?"
Kasie shrugged again, not so sure of her own answer. "I suppose so. If he still wants to when I return."
"I almost envy you. Aren't you excited?" 
"Well, don't envy me. Rick's just a man, Gina. He's only human. And I'd be a lot more excited if my father hadn't insisted on seeing me."
"I can't believe you don't worship the ground he walks on."
When Kasie fell silent, Gina prodded her. "What's he really like?"
"He's nice."
"No–. I mean what is he really like."
In bed, she meant, Kasie surmised, sensing a headache coming on. "He's very good."
"I knew it, he had to be. He's so gorgeous. It must be thrilling. Going on tours, and all the fanfare."
One little lie wouldn't hurt. Gina expected her to have gone to bed with Rick, how could she disappoint her? Besides she'd look downright prudish if she told everyone she'd never been to bed with a man.
However, she hadn't expected Gina to blurt it out at the supper table, nor Amory to walk out of the cabin, slamming the door behind him. It was she that should have been walking out with embarrassment.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Have I spoken out of turn?" Gina cried.
Tanka glanced at the door, then at Gina with a frown, "Don't fret, my pet."
After a night of silence, Kasie decided to do something constructive. She hated being idle. One of her first projects was to construct a privacy curtain between the kitchen and the rest of the house so that she and Gina could take baths in private. Amory found some worn out blankets, and Kasie proceeded to sew a curtain.
"You sew very well. Never figured you as domestic," Amory said, as he examined her handiwork with surprising appreciation.
"Julia taught me," she blurted out almost automatically. Damn, she hadn't meant to mention Julia.
"Julia?"
"Yes, my nanny."
The expression in Amory's eyes grew serious. "You had a nanny?"
"She lived with my mother." 
"Naturally."
"It's not such an uncommon thing among my mother's circles."
"It must have been pretty rough not having a close association with your mother—or your father." Gina insisted.
"You learn to roll with the punches, as they say. Both my parents have always been more interested in making money than messing with their inquisitive and mischievous daughter."
He shot her a contemplative look, as though he might be reconsidering her.
But it didn't matter if he sympathized with her or not. 
She had to get out of here! 
Then one dreary afternoon, Kasie saw her chance to get away, when a helicopter dropped supplies to the cabin.
She sneaked out the door as Tanka and Gina headed out. They were always sneaking off to some cubbyhole to make out. She tried to catch the pilot just before he took off.
She missed the helicopter.
Kasie let her bag drop to the snow with a crunch, grimacing as the copter and her freedom flew away. Gina and Tanka spotted her, saying nothing, and hurried inside with the supplies.
Chayton wasn't to be seen until she heard someone behind her. She knew who it was, even before she looked. She recognized the sound of his crunching boots, the sound of his thundering voice as it shot through her, and a familiar woodsy odor filled the air. More than that, she felt his presence, his nearness by the way the hairs on the back of her neck pricked when he was around.
"Going somewhere?"
Kasie's shoulders fell with a decided slump. "I—Iguess not."
She could feel his eyes on her; feel the flint of his gaze. Why all her senses were alive around this man, she didn't know, didn't want to know. She only knew it hurt to be with him, and it hurt to be without him. "Be patient, Kasie, it won't be for much longer." 
"It's been over a week now," she reminded him.
Her voice almost broke, but she cleared her throat.
 She had to steel herself against her own emotions. "I don't suppose it has ever dawned on you or anyone else around here, but I do have a life back there. I've probably already lost my job and ..."
"Yes, and Rick?" he finished flatly. "We realize, but maybe it's all for the best. I mean, if the guy couldn't wait a week or two, perhaps your father was right all along. And maybe you've had time to consider whether you really love him."
"Love him?" She whirled about to look at him.
That was a mistake, as her heartbeat quickened. 
"Well, don't you?"
She flopped herself down on the large case, and folded her arms over her jacket. She wasn't really cold, she had grown used to the climate relatively fast, but the slight hug she gave herself gave her courage to go on.
There was a growing frustration to get out of here, before she fell in love with it and the man in front of her, again. God was that what was happening? No, she sighed with heaviness that belied pain, she'd never fallen out of love with Chayton Amory. She had realized it the moment she had heard his voice in that jeep. Still, she had too much pride to admit it to herself. Amory merely wanted to please her father. She wanted independence, and she wouldn't have it with Amory. He was too tied to her father.
Amory hadn't touched her since Tanka and Gina arrived. She supposed she had scared him off.
Damn him for making her care. She suddenly cared what he thought of her.
She glanced up at him sadly, as he lit a cheroot and leaned negligently against a tall leggy pine. Here was a man in his element, at home with nature and God. What was not to love about the man? "I guess it's time we had a little talk."
She could do this. She owed him this much.
A brow shot upward as his eyes fell on her, and then looked away.
 "Oh, something on your mind?"
She could no longer sit still. Instead, she paced the snow, making deep little prints as she went. Funny, but the sinking sensation of snow beneath her feet felt like her heavy heart. How could she tell him? What would he think of her? And why did she suddenly care so much what he thought?
"You aren't going to like what I have to say, Amory. But I'd still like you to listen, anyway. Give me a chance to explain, at least as much as I gave you."
He didn't move, didn't bat an eye. Instead, he waited.
"Okay, here goes." She drew in breath, hoisted a false courage and sat back on the suitcase, her legs out straight, her head hung. "I'm sorry."
She waited till that homed in on him. "Sorry? For what?"
"I realize now how wrong I was to just walk out on you the day before the wedding, without an explanation. It was very cowardly of me. I know. And I'm glad I've had this opportunity to apologize. For that, I'm sorry."
There was nothing but silence, a cold silence. He waited.
He still didn't move. But his eyes searched and found hers. There was a sudden new tension between them that hadn't been there before. It was as though her admission brought more tension—instead of relief; a different kind of tension. She had suddenly let down all the barriers, and bared herself to him. The wind grew chilly, the forest more quiet.
"Well?" She finally beseeched him, "aren't you going to say something? Go ahead, shout, yell at me, get mad, something?"
He shrugged indifferently. "Nope," he muttered, and he started towards the cabin.
Kasie felt numbed. That was it? He didn't appreciate her apology?
Appreciate it? He was throwing it back in her face!
Then she ran to catch up with him, halting him and making him face her. "I said, I'm sorry."
Still nothing.
"You have to admit, you deserved every bit of it. You and my father. It wasn't easy for me, keeping quiet. Especially when I realized what you thought of me."
When he tried to push past her, she jumped ahead again.
"Look, my father had no right interfering in your life like that, practically forcing you to marry me. People should marry because they agree, because they l-love each other. That is, if they love each other."
"If?"
Now  he was listening.
"I only brought it up because you seem to set such great store in there being love in a relationship. Why, in this day and age, I can't imagine. I mean, when I heard you talk about your parents, and how they loved each other so much to Tanka, I assumed— I mean ..."
There was a small twinkle in his eyes, but no smile, no other reaction.
 "You assumed I believed in love. Real love. Well, you are right. I do. And there lies our problem, because you don't?"
"Not particularly, no. Some people find it, I guess. But I think a relationship, a good relationship, can be based on mutual trust and caring for each other. I'm not so sure that true love isn't a fantasy. It's probably an invention of those writers of romance novels."
He cast her a frustrated glance. "Romance novels? Where in the world do you get some of these ideas?"
When he grew silent again, she went on. "So, why don't you start concentrating on getting me out of here? I'm old enough now to make my own decisions. I'm not changing my mind. I'm too independent to listen to my father or you, anyway; he should know that."
Now he stopped. Everything stopped, the wind, the snow, her breath.
Whirling about, he grabbed her by the shoulders and shook her. "Believe me; I'd like nothing better than getting rid of you. You've been nothing but a thorn in my side since you got here. But I promised your father a daughter, and he's going to get one! Maybe he can straighten you out."
"Straighten me—" she squawked. Hadn't he heard what she had said? Didn't he understand English?!
He stood there, holding her like a limp doll, until she stiffened. "Look, I just told you. You've got the wrong girl! I'm not mixed up. I know exactly what I'm doing."
Grey eyes scanned hers like a laser beam finding its one and only target. "Oh, yeah? Well, I'm not so sure."
 Why did those flint-bearing eyes bother her? Why did his touch thrill her, make her blood boil? Why did his touch send warm currents of awareness through her, even through the thick layers of clothing between them? His big hands burned right through to her upper arms.
It was dangerous being this close, dangerous because her heart raced like a locomotive and dangerous because she wanted to be much closer. God! What was happening to her?
"You deserved my running out on you. At least to some degree." 
"Did I?" He clenched teeth.
Hands of pure steel pinned her against the nearest hemlock, as smoke gray eyes searched hers with a purpose.
She shut her eyes tightly, like a child, but it was to no avail as his lips came down on hers in a kiss so tender and heart wrenchingly sweet that it took her breath away. It was a kiss that immediately changed things between them. And Kasie was shocked to realize how hungry she was for his kisses.
All too soon he wrenched his mouth from hers; breaking the spell he had put her under. "Now, you listen to me."
Things were quickly changing, and Kasie was no longer sure about herself. Something in his hooded expression told her not to push her luck.
He stared into her face.
"The other day you were ready to give yourself to me. Now Gina says Rick is great in bed, a quote from you, no doubt. I guess I had higher hopes about you…"
The blood drained from her face in shock. She opened her mouth to deny it, but she didn't have to. Her shocked indignation said it for her, and he seemed to nearly stumble in confusion.
 "My God, you lied. You little brat!" His words ground at her like Old Blue. "You're such a bundle of twisted nerves, I don't know what you think or feel. Were you going to walk out on this Rick fella, too? Is that the reason for the fishing trips the day before your wedding?"
"No, of course not." But from his look, she knew he was wise to her. "I—I don't know. Maybe."
She let that sink in, with surprise.
"If you'd quit feeling sorry for yourself, you might find out you have a few emotions. Or don't you realize that emotions are what make us human in the first place? I don't want your apologies. That's not what I'm after."
"At least you're finally being honest," she said, choking on her words and darting ahead of him. "You may not appreciate it, but at least I feel better about it now."
He stopped and glared at her. "You're a mixed up little nut, Kasie. You've got stored up bitterness toward a father that feels nothing but love and pride for you, his little tomboy. Oh, yes, you're here for the duration."
"You have no right to talk to me like this," she cried. "You don't understand me, you never did."
Kasie felt an old anger stir within her. She was too close to the truth, and the fact that she was so transparent to Chayton Amory had her cringing. "Look, I don't need this. Go practice your child psychology on someone else. How can you stand there and judge me?"
"I suppose I have judged you. The same way you judged me when I told you I was taking you to your father. Marked me as a yes man for your father, didn't you? You always have. There's never been an ounce of trust between us Kasie, and that's what's wrong."
She didn't say a word, just stared.
"It doesn't matter how much I want your body, or you want my kisses. It'll never work until we can trust each other."
"I don't need your kisses," she huffed. "I don't need anything from you."
"I'll tell you one thing, you sure as hell need something, or someone in your life. You need love so badly you're willing to reach out and take it from a man like Springer. Or like me—isn't that right?" he charged, coming closer.
"You? You weren't offering love," she said with a half laugh, half cry.
"Wasn't I?" Amory's tone changed, softened, "that's rich, coming from you, of all people."
"Well," she said gulping down a breath, struggling for the right words, "that's spilt milk. You obviously want to be rid of me as soon as you can, so why don't you take me to the airport as soon as the roads are clear."
"Like hell, sweetheart, you aren't going anywhere," he boomed as he whipped her around to face him squarely, pulling her against him. She trembled, and he looked her up and down. "Mark my words on the matter."
"But, it's senseless to keep me here," she cried trying to push away, "like—like a prisoner! It's—its kidnapping. I'll have you arrested!"
Any emotion he might have been feeling was suddenly gone, drained by the cut of her words. He grabbed her wrist, and held her captive. "You could, that's a fact. You've wanted to do that ever since I picked you up. But let's wait and see what daddy says about it."
"I hate you!" she stomped her foot ineffectively as he released her with a jolt, "I don't need you or him."
His stone cold eyes glared into hers, colder than the snow that enveloped them, "Go right ahead, and hate me. I'm prepared for that. Prepared hell, I expected it. But the matter is settled. You're staying."
"I'll make your life hell!"
"Well, sweetheart," this time his words galvanized her to the spot, burning into her like an iron, "you're off to a great start."


Chapter Seven


The day the snow broke, Amory had high hopes of the roads clearing and John showing up. But all his thoughts and hopes were doused by a loud thud at the door.
Kasie had run to open it.
Leaning against the frame of the door slumped an injured young man, bleeding.
Kasie yelled for Amory.
He had been out back when he heard her cry out. He rushed around to see her trying to help the young man inside. He helped her carry him inside and laid him on the big bed.
"It's Kyle Gordon, looks as if he ran into some trouble." Amory immediately went to get the first aid kit from the closet, and glanced at Kasie's perplexed face.
Tanka and Gina had been outside, too, and came running in, laughing until they spotted Kyle. Laughter turned to concern as they rushed to the bedside.
"Is he hurt badly?" Kasie asked with concern. 
"Bad enough."
Tanka stood beside Amory near the bed. "I'd better go find the doc. He'll need sewing."
"But you can't. I mean, the roads are blocked, how could you get through in this weather?" Kasie tried to reason with him.
Tanka smiled teasingly into her face, tipping her chin with one finger. "You forget. I'm Indian. I can run the distance in less time than it would take you to drive. I'm used to the snows."
 Old wives tales, Kasie thought. "Well, at least bundle up properly."
Tanka winked, and smiled down into her face. "Yes, little mother, I'm flattered you care."
Amory shot them a strange look, as though he had just felled a tree, and was watching it fall in the wrong place.
When Tanka left, he pulled Kasie to one side and said very quietly, with a steel edged voice and very little patience left, "Don't play games with Tanka. Gina's my friend; I don't want her hurt. Do you understand?"
Kasie's mouth flew open to protest against his accusation, but he let her go as quickly as he had taken her. Kasie retreated into a near-by corner.
He was so wrong. Kasie confided in Tanka more than anyone in the cabin, but that didn't mean she wanted him. She confided mainly because Tanka was the only one interested enough to talk to her. He was friendly and warm, the kind of person to open up to. The thought that he had misjudged her behavior weighed heavy on his shoulders. Obviously she thought she had found a friend.
It was well into the next day before young Kyle came around.
"Where am I?" Kyle asked, his clear blue eyes rounding on her with no sign of recognition.
"You're at Chayton Amory's cabin. How do you feel this morning?" Kasie replied standing at the edge of the bed.
Kyle tried to get up, but the pain in his shoulder made him wince and lay back. Gina walked towards the bed. "Does that answer your question?"
"Why don't you tell us what happened, Kyle?" Amory pulled up a chair.
 Kyle glanced about and flushed. "Well, I was hunting, rabbits mostly. The next thing I knew this big black comes barreling out of the woods at me. He was madder than a hornet, and wanted the small keg of honey I always carry when I'm down at the Swanson's place. I had tied it to my shoulder. Forgot all about having it, when I saw him."
Amory smiled knowingly. "That's understandable."
Kyle reddened again, as though he had done something stupid. "I was about to throw the keg at him when a shot rang out. I think it was some dumb hunter thinking he'd bagged a bear. I barely remember heading this way. Ole Blue hightailed it. I don't know who was more afraid, him or me."
"Did you see who did it?" Amory asked sharply. "No, I didn't get a chance."
"The rangers put up a wanted notice on Ole Blue so there might have been some target hunters out there. I better notify them, and make them aware of the situation. We don't want this becoming an all-out war on Old Blue."
Tanka returned with the doctor. They warmed themselves by the fire first, and then the doctor took care of Kyle.
Tanka looked at Chayton. "Okay, brother, what's up?"
"We gotta get hold of the rangers before this turns into an all-out war on Ole Blue."
"I agree. I'll get our gear."
Chayton smiled down at Kyle, wanting to reassure him. "You'll be as good as new in a few weeks. Meanwhile you'll have two beautiful young women to care for you here. The doc can get hold of your folks, and they'll be expecting you as soon as you can move about comfortably. But for the time being, just sit tight."
"Let's get you fixed up, young man," the doc said, as he pushed his way through the gathering around the bed.
Kyle glanced at the girls shyly. "I don't remember much."
"You don't have to," Gina said with a grin.
"Umm, I almost forgot. Kyle Gordon, this is Gina Reynolds and Kasie Moore."
When a big arm fell across Kasie's shoulders, she jumped.
Amory stared down at Kasie with a big scowl on his handsome face. It was the first time he had directed a comment to her in days, much less touched her. "You didn't get much sleep last night, did you?"
Obviously stunned as much by his touch as his cajoling voice, she stammered. "I-I'm alright. I was afraid he might wake up and hurt himself."
"Oh, he's a big boy." His gaze captured hers, and held her spellbound. "You see you get some sleep tonight."

~*~

Dammit, the radio on Sunday hadn't brought John any closer to appearing, and Kasie was as jumpy as a bungee jumper.
He hadn't planned on this being some long extended stay, and wished for both their sakes it was over.
But they were stuck with each other. Amory knew that the only way he would be able to keep his hands off Kasie was to keep her half riled at him. Yet he really didn't want her mad all the time. It was too late for recriminations; he was still just as in love with her as ever. He wanted her, and the longer she stayed, the more danger he was of admitting that love. And if she still wanted to marry Rick Springer, then his admission would be a mistake.
No, the most sensible thing to do was get out of the cabin, and leave her alone. Putting space between them might solve the problem, temporarily.

~*~

Kasie's gaze fell heavily on the axe protruding from an uncut log. With a true sense of dread she picked it up.
"Here goes nothing," she sighed, feeling its weight. It was heavy, and she felt awkward. The enormity of her task lay before her, and the sooner she got started, the better off she would be. Procrastinating wouldn't help.
Like most women, she had never chopped wood in her life. Not even in Girl Scouts. She'd never had to; at home wood came in prepared cords at the local stores. This could be a nightmare, and a memory she wouldn't want to keep. But she was doubtful she would soon forget it, either.
She slung the axe with grim determination. The hollow sound it made echoed through the dense forest. One sound followed another, until it was rhythmic. It took an hour for her to get the hang of using the intimidating tool. She was beginning to have a great respect for men's work.
Her first batch of wood resembled an awkward bundle of sticks and logs, cut all angles and all shapes, but she didn't care. Wood was wood, as far as she was concerned.
Splinters and blisters were her medals. She plodded onward, making herself finish her task, despite the pain and agony of muscles seldom used. How she felt was irrelevant. This was nothing short of survival, she told herself. Damn Chayton Amory and Tanka for marching off to save Ole Blue, leaving the rest of them stranded with no firewood. Damn his hide for not letting her tag along, insisting her father might show up any time now! She had begun to think her father was coming at all.
And yet the tension between them had been so thick that neither could tolerate being together another minute. They could torch the cabin with their friction.
Carrying an armload inside, she smiled with satisfaction for a job well done. Perhaps not well done, but at least done.
By nightfall, she surmised that she had chopped enough to last till midday next day. To her surprise and relief, Amory and Tanka trudged wearily back that evening with exhausted smiles on their lips.
The dread and anticipation of seeing Amory again were gone. Her emotions rioted at his presence, confusing her. A day apart had done them both good. "Smells good in here," Amory said, as he glanced at the big pot on the stove, then her. His gray, hawk- like gaze confused her.
"It's beef stew." Her voice quivered under his scrutiny.
"Sounds great. I'm glad you felt at home enough to go out and get something from the freezer."
"We were hungry." she explained with a shrug, not wanting to make more of it than it was.
"And I see you made a fire. You found the stacks of wood out back, then?"
"Stacks—out back?" There were stacks of wood out back? Why hadn't she thought to look? She had grimly decided after a search of the entire cabin that there was no available wood. Trying not to grimace, she glanced down at her hands, and then crammed them into her pockets. She moved hastily away from him.
"No, I didn't. But I managed." She shot Gina a quick look, hoping she wouldn't say a word.
"You didn't find them?" He frowned, and then proceeded to drag her hands from the pockets of her jeans and inspect them, with the anger evaporated, his nearness unsettled her. His concern shocked her.
"My God. What have you done?" His bark made everyone flinch.
"You didn't tell me where to look. You said wood had to be chopped daily. I took you at your word." She protested vehemently, as he turned her hands over. His sudden touch made her tremble.
"Damn fool woman!" His hands barely grazed hers, but it was enough to feel the warmth from them. She jerked away. He seemed to measure her response before acting. Her distrust chilled his shadowy glance.
"They are blistered and raw. Do you honestly think I would leave you all here to chop wood for yourself? Come here. We've got to doctor them before infection sets in." His voice mocked, but his tenderness was a balm.
"Don't be silly, it's just a few blisters."
"A few, take a good look." He pulled her with him to the kitchen, where he dug out a black bag from under the sink. "It's a good thing I stock a medicine kit for just such emergencies. The doc's already gone, and you would have been in a fix if I didn't have this. If these were to become infected, you'd have some real problems. Now, sit down and let me handle it."
 "It's not necessary." She tried to pull away, but he was having none of that, as he dragged her to the small kitchen table.
As he spread the antiseptic on her hands, she winced, even though he touched her lightly. It was both heaven and hell having him touch her. Still, she couldn't think of a thing to say as their eyes met across the table.
"What happened out there today?" Kasie asked, unable to talk about anything personal at the moment. She wanted to calm her racing heart, think clearly, but his magnetism drew her in.
Amory still rubbed her hands slowly, patiently. His gaze said he knew what he was doing to her, and that he was enjoying it. Then, wiping his hands on his pants leg, he tore off some bandages. When he was satisfied that he had properly taken care of her, he let her go.
She offered him a cup of coffee, but he poured it himself and sat back down, staring into the fire.
"Just scouted the area today, making sure Ole Blue isn't being a bother. Got hold of the rangers to let them know what's going on. They want to try to take Ole Blue alive, and move him to the North Country where he really belongs." His voice steadied once more, returning to a softer note. "Although they've tried it once and they don't usually make an exception and try again."
"Then why did they?" Kasie asked.
"Because I asked them to." He stole a glance at her and smiled.
"And?" She waited breathlessly.
"He laid low. Funny, it's as though the cantankerous old bear knows when I'm looking for him." His tone held no mockery as they shared this moment.
 "How long has he been around here?" 
"Going on seven or eight years now."
"Ever come across him face to face?" Kyle, who was feeling much better, rose up from the bed to ask.
"Once. It was just last year. The rangers and I were tracking him. He doubled back around and caught us off-guard. Shots were going everywhere. I aimed, looked him right in the eye and couldn't pull the trigger."
"No?"
"No. We were the trespassers, not him. It was his territory. In all fairness, I couldn't shoot."
"You look tired." Kasie said, unwilling to admit they shared a mutual feeling for a silly old bear. He'd never know how glad she was he hadn't shot Ole Blue.
"I am. All I want is a something to eat and to go to bed."
"I'll heat the stew and cornbread. I'm sure you and Tanka are starved." Moving away from him seemed harder now, when what she wanted to do was go to him. But that was emotions, not good sense, she told herself.
"Sounds great. I thought John might show up today." Amory shrugged off his coat and hung it in the closet.
"No sign of him." Kasie called from the stove. When she turned around he was stretching, and her heart turned over. Amory still looked like the swashbuckler of her youth. His brown torso was golden in the light of the cabin. Rock hard muscles strained against the green shirt and well-worn jeans. The top two buttons of his shirt were undone and exposing the gleam of a hairless chest. A chest she had never really touched. Her fingers itched. Her heart skipped a beat. He looked the predator. Kasie felt she might be able to talk to him now that the anger was gone. They were both adults, they should be able to handle this.
"I hope everyone likes their stew hot, I added some peppers."
"Sounds like just the thing to warm me up." Tanka grinned as he watched their interplay.
Kasie smiled and nodded, not fully realizing the scene her and Amory were creating. She wondered curiously if the pioneers that founded this rough and rugged land had lived like this. And had she married Amory eight years ago, would this be a typical day in their lives? Would her heart still swoon at the sight of him?
They all ate in silence, and Kasie washed the dishes without protest.
Later, Tanka and Gina went outside for a walk, and Kasie knew instinctively that they wanted their privacy. She envied the young lovers. She and Amory reclined by the fire, listening to the soothing crackle of the fire. She glanced at his quiet profile, unable to squelch the tightness in her heart every time she looked at him. Tonight he looked the tired hunter. He was obviously relaxed, from his expression. His face held no frown. He was devastatingly handsome. Idle thoughts of what their children might have looked like, flitted through her mind. She batted them away with an effort. Their children? It choked her to think of it.
"Tell me about dad's bypass." She found neutral ground to discuss with him.
He nodded, not looking at her. He stared into the flames.
"Why didn't he let me know about it?"
 "Didn't want to worry you, I suppose." Now he cast her a lazy appraising glance. More sexy than curious.
Kasie nodded, quelling her unmindful, racing heart. "How bad was he?"
"Pretty bad. He had several clogged arteries around his heart, and hardening of the arteries to go along with it in his legs. They did a complicated procedure, something about a balloon. A year later he had to have the bypass. He came out of it pretty well. He hasn't had a spell with it since."
"I'd have been here, if I'd known. I should have been here. To help him." she assured herself. "I'm sure he doesn't understand me. I do love him, but he smothers me, sometimes. They both do."
"He knows that." Amory gave her a quick smile. 
"Yeah, he does."
"But he's your father, and he can't change who he is, either. IF worse came to worse, I would have gotten in touch with you. He just didn't want to worry you. It was touch and go for a while. I think—he was a little afraid. A man doesn't want the people he loves to see him that way. Your father was always a strong man."
"I guess we have that in common. He doesn't want to appear dependent on anyone, either. Is he watching his diet?" Kasie couldn't hide her growing concern for her father.
"Margaret watches it for him."
"Margaret?" Kasie wrestled that name around, but came up blank.
"His new wife. I was wondering when you were going to get around to asking me about her."
"Oh, yes, I almost forgot he'd remarried. I shouldn't have been surprised when I found out, but I was." She had pushed that bit of news out of her mind. Still, if the woman was taking care of him properly, she supposed she owed her at least respect. "Where did he meet her?"
Amory glanced at her, gauging her reactions.
"He's known her most of his life. She's a local. They grew up together. When her husband died a few years ago, your father stood by her. They had always liked each other, ever since I can remember. I think maybe this is the first woman he's really cared about since your mother."
"Then you know her?" 
"I know her." 
"So…what's she like?"
"Nothing to be nervous about," his eyes landed on her hands. "Try not to break those blisters open, yet." His voice was softer. "She's a very warm and considerate lady. You'll like her." He glanced over at Kyle, but he was sound asleep and lightly snoring. "She was very in love with her first husband, and had taken care of him for nearly ten years before he died. He had some rare incurable disease. He'd been ill so long, and she stood by him without a single grudging word. But she was lonely when he died. And your father supplied a shoulder for her to cry on. They are good together."
Kasie still wrung her hands, the only outward sign that any of this was upsetting her. Still, he knew more than the conversation had upset her.
"Dad usually marries young women."
"Margaret is only a couple years younger than he is, Kasie."
"I suppose his money had nothing to do with it, either?"
Amory tensed once more, a frown appeared on his face.
 "She didn't marry him for money, Kasie. She married him for companionship."
"Sounds as though you know her well."

~*~

Why had the conversation taken them to such a personal level? He had shied away from her all day, intentionally, trying to sort the information she had so easily given him yesterday. But his mind had never been off her. She hadn't trusted him years ago, and that hadn't changed. Wouldn't. And he wouldn't have her without it. And yet—
Why did Kasie suddenly become combative? The day had been mind-clearing. She was naturally curious about her father, but nothing he said seemed to reassure her.
She stood up, and paced, finally, when he said no more, and she walked outside. The skies had cleared, and it was no longer snowing, even the chill seemed to have left the air.
Tanka and Gina had been kissing out by the jeep, and when they saw her, they went inside.
Amory came outside, too.
He looked at her with longing. And sadness overcame him like he'd never known before; a sadness born of loss.
He admitted he would like nothing better than to have her. But the Indian side of him knew that would never be enough.
"I know her well," Amory responded, watching her every move. "She's my cousin."
"Cousin?" Kasie blast, turning on him as though he had struck her with this news.
He nodded grimly.
"Wonderful. Now we're just one big, happy family, aren't we?" Kasie protested, throwing her arms in the air in a helpless gesture.
 Was it true? Was the Indian in him what repulsed her? He refused to call himself Native American. He was Indian, and proud of it.
"What are you getting so uptight about?" Amory's gaze lingered on her.
"I don't know. I just never considered the possibilities of being kin to you."
"We aren't kin, Kasie. And it doesn't look as though we ever will be. Don't worry; my Indian blood will never spill into your lily-white hands."


Chapter Eight


Gina offered to do the cooking and take care of Kyle, while Kasie took care of the wood supply and menial chores. Tanka and Amory were going to assist the rangers in trying to capture Ole Blue.
As Kasie crawled under the covers that night and watched the firelight, she appreciated it much more; and she even enjoyed a quiet chat with Gina. She was a fascinating creature to talk to. She spoke with emotion and character, giving life to her words.
Gina's job took her to fascinating places, and she met so many interesting people, all of which she seemed to recall with fondness. Kasie envied her in many ways; her happiness with life, her surefootedness with men.
"I hope you're not worried about the men, Kasie." Gina was saying, as she joined her on the floor.
Kasie almost laughed, so bone-tired she couldn't worry about anything, let alone two grown men. But they should be back by now, Kasie thought.
"I hadn't given them much thought, actually." What a well-kept lie. It was all she could think of.
"Well, don't. They're in their element out there in that vast beautiful wilderness. They love this kind of thing. And they'll get Ole Blue, too, without killing him."
"I have to admit, I feel sorry for that ole bear." 
"Sorry for him? After all the destruction he's caused, and hurting young Kyle? God, you're just like Chayton, he's a real sucker for an animal." Gina took out a nail file from her pocket and filed her nails as they talked.
 "I know it sounds pretty silly, but I developed a soft spot for the poor creature. I mean, if Amory hadn't told me about him, I probably wouldn't give him a second thought."
"Better you than me. Personally, I think they should put him out of his misery."
"Maybe you're right," She didn't  agree, but was unwilling to argue the point.
"I'm sure you've noticed the strain Chayton's under." Gina changed the subject, abruptly. "He's not one to be idle. That man has an appetite for working like no other. Even Tanka gets frustrated sometimes, trying to keep up. I honestly think if he had a woman he'd slow down, enjoy life a little more. He's much too serious most of the time."
"I thought I was causing that strain," she murmured.
Gina chuckled. "Yes, well, I'm not talking about that strain. Although Tanka and I couldn't help noticing that, too. No, I meant that Chay hates not having the contract. That's putting him on edge, and it looks to me like he might be taking it out on you. You see, he's managed to keep his father's business alive these last few years with the contracts. Tanka just became sucker bait, by not fighting for it this year. The way he figured it, they deserved some time off. Besides, they haven't finished the cabins yet. And Tanka is building one, too, further north, next year."
"Are you two getting married then?"
"A girl can hope." Gina smiled fondly. "I wish Chayton could find someone, but it seems as though he's almost given up looking."
"Maybe he's just secretive."
"Maybe. But I'd bet there's been someone in his life before. Sometimes he looks downright sad."
 
"I guess you know, but my father wanted Chay to marry me eight years ago. And it almost happened."
"Really, so what happened?"
"I found out that dad was behind this great coupling, and I took off. It was too embarrassing, facing Amory. I suppose it wasn't his fault. Not many people can say no to my father. I was young and thought myself in love with him."
Gina looked thoughtful for a moment, then added. "Kasie, you don't think Chayton would actually go through with a wedding if he didn't care about you, do you?"
"You said it yourself, he's loyal."
"But I know Chayton wouldn't dream of something that severe unless he wanted it, himself." Gina defended. "He's his own man, and always has been. Yes, he's generous to his friends, but I doubt he'd ever do something like that unless he really wanted to in the first place."
"I've spent eight years wondering why he was going through with it." 
"Didn't he ever tell you?" 
"Tell me what?"
"That he loved you?" Gina sat up.
"No, those words never came from Chayton Amory." Kasie said sadly, "and never will."
"My God, Kasie. No wonder there is friction. The cad. No wonder there have been so many fireworks around the two of you. But I can't help but believe there is more to this than you are seeing."
"I was eighteen; he was twenty-three. I'll admit my immaturity, but I doubt he will. And believe me, I don't really blame him. I blame my father. He should never have—."
"John loves Chayton and Tanka like his own sons."
"Yes, I know. Too bad they aren't."
 A short silence gave Kasie time for reflection, then she shrugged it away and asked. "So, why haven't you married Tanka?"
"Fires! Big ones. Tanka and Chayton have always fought the yearly forest fires, every summer. I beg Tanka not to go every summer, but he says he feels obligated as a logger to do his share to save the trees. Trees are like humans to those two. No two ever respected Mother Nature like Tanka and Chayton. Do you know, now don't tell them I told you this, but they pray before they start cutting trees every year. They pray for a new forest." Gina giggled.
Kasie stared into the firelight, overcome with some emotion she couldn't define.
"I dread those fires every year. They scare me to death. Their father taught them about survival. Still, it's much too dangerous. I'm not going to be a widow before I'm a wife."
Kasie pictured it in her mind, and laughed, until she realized the seriousness of the situation. A forest fire! She had never contemplated such devastation. She'd seen many on television. But to think Amory had been caught in one, and what the consequences could have been, made her shudder.
"They could be killed." The thought of Amory dying had never once entered her mind, until now. 
"Maybe, but I think they are both too tough to die."
Kasie smiled again, and then asked almost shyly, "Is that how their folks died, in the fire?"
"Oh, no. It was a boating accident."
"A boating accident?" Kasie felt foolish for being so ill-informed. "But Amory said their place burned down."
 
"It did. A few years ago, during one of the biggest fires on the mountain. But their folks were already dead."
"That's when Amory saved the bed?"
"Of course, the special bed. The marrying bed. The only women that will sleep in that bed are their brides. That much I know."
Kasie swallowed this with a grain of salt. She'd slept in the bed, and she wasn't a bride.
"So how did their folks die?"
"They were fishing. It was the wrong time of the year for fishing, but those two didn't care. They'd fish in a hole in twenty below weather. Their mother fell in the river as she tried to capture her fish from her line. Chayton's dad jumped in after her, but they think he must have had a heart attack because he never made it."

~*~

Kyle was awake and resting comfortably beside Tanka when he came to, anxious to know all the details. "How'd you get shot, Tanka?"
Tanka tried to rise up in the bed, but found it too difficult, the pain stabbing him, so he merely glanced over at the young man with an indulgent smile. "Some young fool with a gun. I guess I managed to get in front of his bullet. I should have known better. I have no excuse; I'm not a greenhorn kid. There were so many people out there, though. When news got out that Ole Blue had hurt you, why everyone this side of the mountain came prepared to kill."
Kyle's face turned bright red, and he looked distressed. "Gee, I didn't mean to ..."
Tanka shook his head and winked. "Hey, don't worry about it. It's not your fault. It's just I've never seen so many would-be hunters in all my life. You'd have thought it was a grizzly gone loco the way they were scattering. The rangers had a helluva time controlling the firing. They were running in circles. We all were. It's funny, but Chayton and I had this foolish notion we could take that bear without killing him. Not with that circus running wild out there, we couldn't. But he died a proud death, no thanks to us."
Gina came to sit beside Tanka on the bed, her arm going around him protectively. "You could have been killed. I never once dreamed it could happen. Here I was trying to convince everyone else how capable you two were, and you were shot."
Tanka flashed her a big grin, even though his face had gone pale once more. "It would take more than one wayward bullet to kill me, Gina. But I'm glad to know you have confidence in me."
She took his good arm, and brought his hand to her trembling lips.
Kasie watched them out of the corner of her eye, envying them to some extent. Her eyes drifted toward Amory again, and he was watching her.
The doctor finished dressing Tanka's wound, and then checked on Kyle. He glanced over his round-rimmed glasses at Amory. "It's beginning to look like a regular hospital up here, Chayton, what's been going on?"
"Nothing but a bear hunt, doc."
"A bear hunt, you say? Well, looks as though I might be busy around here a while."
"Tell me about Ole Blue," Kasie muttered miserably, when nothing else would come out of her mouth.
"He's dead, Kasie. But, it wasn't due to any of our efforts, I assure you."
 
Kasie stiffened, feeling a sadness surround her, but she managed to get herself under control, even as one tear slipped silently down her cheek. "I don't understand."
Amory watched her, and then gently reached to flick the tear away. "Well, he showed up, and we were all there. The rangers and Tanka and I were trying to head off the bear hunters. It was a disaster looking to happen. The bullets started flying, every which way. Ole Blue, he just kept on coming like he didn't care. The rangers shouted out orders to cease-fire. Ole blue dodged the bullets. I don't know whether they were all bad shots, or just too scared to aim right."
Amory made the mock movements of the bear to emphasize, as though this were important. "You should have seen him, Kasie. He was a sight. He was magnificent."
The way he spoke to her was like soft love words between them. They both seemed to realize this was a moment of shared affection for the bear—only for the bear, of course.
"He died a proud death. And not by the hand of man. You see, his own curiosity got the better of him. He must have stumbled on that porcupine days ago, because the quills were so embedded in his throat that he was screeching with the pain. They finally choked him to death. And death, Kasie was a real blessing at that point. After we sent the hunters packing, we waited and stayed with him until the end.
We buried him. He's with nature, now. Funny how such a small creature as a porcupine could down a bear his size, but it happens. God has a plan for all his creatures, I guess. So you see, nature created him, and nature killed him."
 Kasie let out a shallow breath and smiled sadly. "I'm glad it ended that way."
Amory looked into her gaze, her soul. "So am I." He kept staring, and Kasie finally stammered for something to say when Amory reached to hand her something.
"What's this?" she asked taking the small clump of hair from his hand that was neatly wrapped in cello paper.
"It's Ole Blue's. You don't fight an animal without learning to appreciate him in some respects. You fought Ole Blue, so I thought you might like something to remember him by. I guess you can take it home and tell a few tales about him, can't you?"
Amory was smiling for the first time in days.
Kasie forced her emotions under control.
"Thanks, but I doubt I'll be bragging about my round with him. I certainly won't forget him, though."
Their heads both turned towards the other room when they heard the doctor. "Sure, in a week or so. Now, what was I saying? Oh, yes, I could take you as far as the Gordon's." He was telling Gina.
"Could you? That would be marvelous." Gina was ecstatic. "I could call the airport from there on the ham."
"Sure, I'll be glad to take care of it." Kyle jumped into the conversation.
"Easy does it, young man, you're still going to need plenty of rest. Only a few minutes at a time on your feet for the first few days." The doctor ordered. 
"Yes sir," Kyle said with a weak smile, "but I won't be on my feet at the ham."
"These youngsters! You can't keep them down, no matter what. Alright then, you get your things together, Gina and we'll leave as soon as we can load young Kyle into the jeep."
"What's going on, doc?" Amory asked, getting to his feet and handing the salve back to the doctor.
Gina glanced over her shoulder at Tanka, who had remained ultra-quiet during the conversation, and zipped her flight bag. "The doctor has offered to get me down to the Gordon's."
"You might be stuck there a day or two, too, Gina," Chayton informed her, as he walked back in the room and saw the pained expression on Tanka's face.
Gina frowned.
"She'd be more than welcome," Young Kyle added.
The doctor scratched his head, and then glanced at them all. "Well, if she doesn't mind waiting through a delivery, I can take her on in to Eugene this afternoon. I've got a meeting down there I've got to try to get to."
"Are you sure you can make it, doc?" Tanka asked his voice hopeful.
"I won't attempt it, unless I can."
"Great, let's get on the road, then." Gina prompted, turning to Tanka for one last look. "Stop fretting so. I'll be back. You take care, and do what the doctor says. I'll try to get back up before Thanksgiving. I've got something I want to give you." 
"Promise?"
"Promise! You know we've never missed a Thanksgiving together, in three years." 
"I know, I just wasn't sure you'd remember. Please don't miss it. I've got something important to ask you."
 "Looks like that's all settled, then?" Amory joined them.
"Yes, thank goodness. And I want to thank you and Tanka for taking such good care of me." Gina said with a big smile.
"No thanks needed, you and Kasie were on your own a lot. I'm truly sorry for that." Amory added, as he watched Kasie move about the room slowly. The fact that she'd chopped firewood, on her own, without any prodding from anyone, made him proud, and almost hopeful. But he knew better than to even think like that.
"No problem, huh, Kasie?" Gina said, as Kasie came to stand by the foot of the bed.
"Not a one," Kasie managed to say under her breath, with Amory's keen scrutinizing glance cutting at her.
"Well then, I guess this is goodbye, for now. Chayton, you're a dear." Gina reached on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. "And what about Kasie?"
"John's anxious to talk to her. She stays," he affirmed quickly. Not that it would do any good, he thought to himself.
"Hopefully, I'll be right behind you, Gina," Kasie added.
"Well, if I don't see you again, it was a real pleasure." Gina extended her hand to her.
"Ditto," Kasie murmured, her voice going soft. "Leave me your phone number; I'd like to stay in touch."
She felt as though she was suddenly being deserted, and sadness enveloped her.
Gina smiled, turning back to Tanka, who looked as bad as Kasie felt at the moment. Amory and the doctor proceeded to take Kyle to the jeep. Kasie followed them out, waving to Kyle.
Knowing Gina and Tanka wanted a little time alone, she didn't return to the cabin, but stood peering out onto the snow a long while. She watched the jeep pull out of sight a few minutes later, staring after it.
"I spoke with your father again, Kasie." Amory was saying just behind her, when she didn't come back inside the cabin.
"And?" she questioned, whirling around, unaware how close he was standing.
"And he'll be here on or before the 25th, like I told you, he promised."
"Thanksgiving? You'd think the way you're all acting that that was an important holiday." Kasie took this news in her stride. She had reckoned with her fate. Until Amory or her father did something, she was stuck here.
"It is for some. Most women look forward to it, making a fuss with their holiday cooking. My mother used to set great store by it. It was the only day dad promised to be home, during the entire year. But I guess you don't set much store in it, do you Kasie?" 
"I've always thought of holidays as commercialized hype. I think the real meanings got lost somewhere down the line. I'm thankful every day for something in my life." She turned away, wanting to change the subject. 
"So, was your mother a good cook?"
"No," he resounded, his eyes following her. "Dad cooked a lot of the time. I remember one year when she burned the turkey, dad just got out the canned ham, and cooked it over an open fire. Tasted great, and no one said a word about mom's turkey." He looked into her face again. "Why don't you celebrate Thanksgiving, Kasie?"
She didn't want to answer that question. 
"Is his bride coming with him?"
"Yes, she is, as a matter of fact." He eyed her suspiciously. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you about her right away, but I couldn't be sure you didn't already know about her. Margaret is a nice lady; you'll like her."
"I just bet I will."
Deep down she had already surmised that this Margaret must be a nice woman, but she wouldn't give Amory the satisfaction of knowing just how much she was changing her mind and attitude. The angrier he was, the easier it would be to leave him. Let him think she didn't care about anything or anyone. Let him think she was a brat. She had to put some kind of distance between them, even if it were only verbal.
"Dad usually marries money, or looks. Which is it this time?"
Amory's gray eyes sharpened on her.
He wasn't pleased, and that was good. Wasn't it? "Is that what you think? Or is that your mother talking?"
"It's my opinion," she said with a sneer. "My mother might have had some influence on me off and on, but I do have a mind of my own, Amory. Even you should know that. Believe it or not. I've read the papers, kept an album of him. Why do you keep throwing my mother into this? You think me incapable of thinking for myself? Good grief, my dad's been married four times. When does it end?"
"Incapable, no, but biased, perhaps. Well, for what it's worth, that isn't the case this time. And I'm sorry you haven't had a chance to get to know your father better during these past few years. John's not without mistakes. Who is? But give him a chance, Kasie. You might be pleasantly surprised. Your father is quite a man. You ought to know – you chose him over your mother, didn't you?"
"I was six years old. I didn't know any better. Like most people around here, I idolized him, once. Not anymore. So how do you know so much about her, anyway?"
"Because I know her, for one thing."
"Yes, so you've said, you're cousins." Kasie knew her voice sounded snobbish. She hated the look in his eyes. How he must hate her. She was acting like a she-cat. She wanted him to hate her. As long as he hated her, she could leave without regret. Couldn't she? And he wanted her to leave.
Still, the only way to save her pride was to belittle this moment. Physical attraction was not enough for Kasie.
She wanted more with him. She wanted it all. When he said nothing, did nothing, she wiped her lips hard and long as though she could wipe the memory of his kisses away. She wanted his heart, not just his body.
His smile was filled with new insight. "You can't wipe it away, you know."
"What?" she played it cool.
"My kisses. You won't forget them, Kasie. And neither will I." 
"Won't I?" She challenged him again. Her breast felt full and strained against all her clothes, heavy with the need of touching. His touching.  But dear God, where had that thought come from.
"You can try."
"Look, Amory." She faced him now, her voice breathless, and strangled, "I'm no man's toy."
"No man will make a fool of you again, will they, Kasie? You won't let them."
 She held her head proudly, squelched her tears, and faced him. "Not if I can help it, no."
"Aren't you afraid you might miss something?" 
"Like what?" She snapped.
"Like love."
"You're going to preach to me about love? You? The mighty Chayton Amory. That wasn't love when you nearly married me. That was pure lust for a naive little girl. And your kisses—."
"Do you really love this Rick character?" He came much closer now, his eyes boring into her for the truth.
"That's none of your business."
"Do you? I doubt it. Tell me, who have I been kissing? That was Kasie I've had in my arms, and you wanted it as much as I did. You won't admit it, you're too afraid of making a fool of yourself. Well, I have news for you, love means making a fool of yourself, Kasie. It means admitting things."
"I like to be kissed as much as any girl. But you can't pass a few kisses off as love; even I know that. Besides, if it's so easy to admit it, then you should have done that long ago." She deliberately ignored his probing.
"Y-yes, I should have. But, we were talking about marriage and love. Tell me, before Tanka and Gina got here, who was that lady in front of me, baring herself to me, daring me to take her? You knew me well enough to know I wouldn't take you. Not like that. Not in anger." His voice suddenly softened, his eyes burning into hers. "Not going to commit, even to yourself, are you, Kasie? Well, you don't have to. I've had Kasie all along, and the only thing that stopped you was that I stopped. Love means taking a chance, Kasie. It's no game. But I suppose some see it as a real gamble."
 "Love? No, love isn't. But sex is. And lust, and I think I know the difference. Don't play noble all of a sudden, Amory. You couldn't say the words eight years ago, and it's too late now."
"You're right,  as always." He seemed to consider her words a moment. "But, are you willing to settle for anything less than love?" His eyes blazed into hers. Then realizing her answer, he shook his head. "I thought you were tougher than that. You can fend off a bear better than any woman I know, but you're afraid to take a chance on love, aren't you?" 
"I'm not afraid; I'm just not naive anymore." 
"Would you recognize the difference?"
She stood rock still considering his words. 
"Maybe I was wrong, maybe it was lust for you. You seemed to have turned your back on love. So, let's set the record straight. I could get what I wanted without marriage, or love, too. If that was all I wanted. Then or now. But when you love someone, marriage is the only answer. Isn't it?"
"So, is Chayton Amory suddenly an authority on love and marriage? I believe this whole thing started with you trying to break up a marriage."
She'd hit home again, and he looked surprised. When he said nothing, she slapped him with more. "I'm not the same little tomboy, anymore. I've grown up."
She couldn't control her mouth any better than she controlled the kisses, or the all-knowing expression on Amory's face.
He chuckled softly. And something in his expression told her that this was some strange foreplay between them. Deep down she enjoyed sparring verbally with him. It stimulated, excited, and it hurt. 
"In most ways, maybe. And here we go again, another point I should remember and respect. Another attempt to put me in my place. Well, try this on for size, sweetheart. You've got a mother you can't abide, a father you don't even know, but there is one thing for damned sure, it's me, I repeat, me, you respond to; lust or love, call it anything you want."
His words stunned her into silence. The truth stunned her.
"Cat got your tongue? Maybe that's because it's true, and you know it. You've erected a lot of barriers. More than some men would want to deal with. But lady, I've got your number. I know the combinations. With me, you are yourself. With me, you're angry; with me, you cry; and with me...you respond. Does that suggest anything to you?"
"You've simply caught me off guard, is all?" 
A weak defense!
"Hardly," he said with a hard laugh, "you've asked for it every time."
She gasped. Right again!
"Don't look so wounded. We'll just put them all down to animal lust, or physical attractions, as you call it, since you obviously don't believe in the word love. I'd never touch you Kasie, unless—you wanted me to." His voice softened again, his eyes glittered dangerously into hers as though he knew something she didn't.
"I'd never…" but she stopped.
Irked by his aloof manner, she snubbed him again. 
"That'll be the day." The old Kasie wasn't all gone. She still had some fight in her. She had to fight; her fear of his rejection at her admission outweighed the truth. How could a woman tell a man she loved him, when he'd never said the words to her?


Chapter Nine


Laughter followed her all the way into the cabin.
"Trouble again?" Tanka mused, watching her stomp back inside dusting the snow from her boots..
She turned to look at him, and knew Tanka was wise to her. Some people you could fool and some people couldn't be fooled.
"No," she said too quickly. "Not exactly. It's just that Amory makes me so mad."
"Hmm, want to tell me about it?"
"No," she answered again, too hastily, and then glancing at him, she sat in the chair and nodded. "Yes, I guess I do. I've got to clear the air around me, somehow. I can't get around him without exploding, Tanka. No one's ever affected me like that. I've always had control, except with him."
Tanka chuckled softly, knowingly. "Yes, I've noticed the sparks flying. How long have you been in love my brother?"
"In love! With that jerk?" She shrieked with surprise. Was it written all over her face? Did the whole world know how she felt? How had Tanka guessed something Amory couldn't see in front of his nose?
"With that jerk." Tanks said softly. "Of course you're in love, no one gets that mad, that easily, unless there are some deep, perhaps hidden feelings. I should know."
Kasie looked at him, realizing he was admitting something aloud, too. But she wasn't ready to bare her soul.
"Nonsense," she denied his theory; she had to. "I loathe the man."
 "Sure you do." Tanka nodded, confusing her. "At least, at times you do. But I don't understand why you run from him? Why is it so hard to admit?"
Anxious to dispel his notions, she rushed to defend herself. "I'm not running from anything, or anybody. It's just that things have gotten so mixed up, here. I mean, he brought me here some time ago, to see my father. I expected my father to be here, or I wouldn't have come at all. I would have escaped or fought him more. Despite what you may think of me, Tanka, I'm not that kind of person. How do I know, maybe Amory is a kidnapper? Maybe he's sitting around here waiting for some kind of ransom. I mean, I am the daughter of a very wealthy set of parents. It's not entirely impossible. I knew I should have put up a bigger fight about coming here."
"Why didn't you?"
"Because, deep down I guess I really wanted to see my father. Explain things this time, so he'd understand. I really want to get on some even keel with my folks, but it seems impossible. I wanted him to understand. I figured I could kill two birds with one stone. Besides, I looked at it as an adventure. And you've got to admit, I'm no match for Amory."
"And you, Kasie?"
She glanced at him again. "I had everything figured out, before I came here. My life was so in order."
Tears welled in her eyes and she didn't look at Tanka any longer.
"I knew exactly where I was going, and who I was. I'd spent three years with Halls, and I was really getting somewhere, making a career out of computers. I'm good at it. Granted, it was a boring job, and I often found myself daydreaming, but I was independent of everyone. For the first time in my life I didn't need someone to take care of me. You probably don't understand something like that. How could you?"
 "Actually, I think I do. I mean, you come from some very rich stock, Kasie. And I'm sure you've had someone around most of the time telling you what to do, how to do it, and when to do it. That can be pretty annoying. A strong independent person like yourself couldn't handle that for very long."
"That's pretty astute of you."
He smiled indulgently. "And now?"
"Now," she murmured as she ran a hand through her hair while shrugging her shoulders like a limp doll. "I—I don't know. I need to get home, so I can think straight." 
"Topsy-turvy, huh?"
"You could say that, yes. I mean I had plans to move up with my job. Make lots of money. Tell both my parents to take a flying leap. I was accomplishing several things. Independence, privacy–things I never had before. And now this."
"Is money that important to you?"
"Money is the only thing that my parents think is important. It's what I was brought up to believe. But no, it's not important to me. I've had everything a kid could want, most of my life. But I wasn't happy. Money only confused me into thinking everything was alright. But it wasn't."
"Money can do that to you."
Her gaze fell to the floor. 
"And love, Kasie, is that important to you?"
She had been starved for her father's affection all her life, but sometime or another she had shut it all off. Perhaps when she walked out on Amory. "Don't start telling me about the happily ever after kind of thing. I don't believe it exists. I quit believing in it, a long time ago."
"Eight years ago?" 
"Maybe."
 She hated him seeing the truth, and yet it was a relief to be able to level with someone. But she couldn't stop feeling the exposure either. "Look, love isn't an emotion you can depend on, Tanka. You think you have it, and it's simply made a fool of you. It's just a trick your imagination plays on you. My mother's been married five times; my father, four. I don't intend to break their record."
"How did Chayton hurt you?"
"Chayton?" she gasped his name, savoring the sound of it. It felt so good, so right saying his name aloud, a name that had haunted her for eight years. But had he hurt her? "We were talking about my father."
"Ah, yes, with the father that tried to arrange your life. Yes, I can see that. Trusting in men has only hurt you, hasn't it? You trusted Chayton, and then thought he was marrying you to please your father. I see a lack of trust there."
She shrugged, folding her hands in her lap. "Why would he want a naïve little girl who wanted to get away from her parents and knew nothing of being a wife?"
"Deep down you think Amory doesn't and hasn't ever loved you, don't you?"
When she said nothing, he went on. "I can understand that. He doesn't express himself well in words, however, I've always known him to express himself well in other ways—say, in actions. And these feelings you're trying so hard not to admit have confused your thinking."
"I'm confused, yes. I have been for a long time. But I know Amory would have married me just to please my father. And, I think this excursion is nothing more than  a little revenge."
"Then let me un-confuse you about a few things at least." He paused, waiting to see if she was listening. She looked at him curiously.
"First let me set you straight about our friend out there. My big lug of a brother out there isn't a skirt chaser, but he believes in loving one woman. Having a family of his own, like our parents is the only thing he's ever wanted that he didn't go after. In fact, he hasn't had a serious relationship in years. Eight years to be exact. Oh, I'm not saying he hasn't had a few flings. But nothing serious. You see, he's afraid of losing, too. He lost you, and he lost his family."
"You can't lose what you don't have."
"The naive little Kasie I knew had stars in her eyes back then. Maybe you were right about Chayton then, but now he wants a family. He wants what his parents had. Our parents died together in a boating accident. I remember it so well. I was rather young and all I could do is cry most of the time because they were gone. Chayton was different. He took over this business when he was only twenty-four. A big responsibility for one so young. He's a man, with a man's feelings. And he's got some feelings for you, even though I'm sure he doesn't realize how deeply yet. Or maybe he feels you don't love him, and he's too proud to admit his own feelings. Pride can steal your joy, Kasie.
"And we have - you, me, Gina, and Chayton – lived together. And because we have shared the more intimate side of ourselves, we know each other better. Granted, it's only been a short while, but did you live with this Rick character?"
She shook her head. "No never! And despite my big mouth, I never slept with him…"
Tanka looked at her and smiled. "I know that."
"You do?"
"Yes. We know little things about one another that others don't. That makes our relationships special. Just look at you now. You've known me only a short time, yet we speak as though we've been friends a lifetime. Let me give you some examples."
Tanka paused as though thinking of things he could tell her.
"How many people know which direction you squeeze the toothpaste?'
Her mouth flew open, but he continued. "How many people know you like to bathe at night? Or how often you shave your long, lovely legs? Or how often you don't giggle, like Gina does? In fact, I'd say you're in dire need of a good laugh, my little friend. You've been taking yourself and everyone else too seriously. How many people know if you smack at the table, which you don't. How many care? How many men have had the extreme pleasure of watching you comb your beautiful hair?
"How many people where you work know that you are really an outdoors sort of person? That you love a sunset? And who would believe it possible for you to fall in love with a cantankerous old bear? It's a special closeness you won't share with many."
Kasie's face fell, Tanka was right. So very right. "Does anyone notice how you swear to cover up your real feelings? That smoking bothers you, even though you're too polite to just say so? No, my lovely Kasie, we know these things about you, because we have lived with you." He smiled reflectively. "You care whether I bundle up in the snow. You are afraid for us when we hunt the bear. You've even worried about Gina and Kyle right this minute. You chopped wood, a deed you would never consider anywhere else. You could have been born right here on this mountain, you love it so. I know these things, and deep down so does my brother. Because we have looked at your soul."
Dear God, he knew her so well.
"And Kasie, unless I miss my guess, you've been drawn to my brother from the very beginning. Some inborn trust of him let you come with him, despite that he's no match for you. Can you deny your feelings have magnified for him in these past eight years?"
Kasie colored. "I'm that obvious?"
Again Tanka chuckled. "No, you aren't. You've done an excellent job of disguising your true feelings. But do you seriously want to let him keep thinking you do not care?"
 "I—I don't know. He's never said anything like that to me. I can't just go blurting things out; I'd be such a fool."
"Sweet Kasie, how happy I am for my brother. Don't hurt him any longer. I love him, too. Tell him, Kasie, before it's too late."
Hurt Chayton Amory? It seemed absurd!
She smiled warmly at Tanka, and got up to see about supper. As she passed him, her hand fell to his shoulder. "I almost envy Gina."

~*~

The next morning Kasie was finishing with the dishes when Amory insisted she come outside with him. It reminded her of the first day she had spent with him. He seemed in very good spirits.
But this morning he had the old buffalo gun in his hands, and he glanced at her with a question in his eyes.
"Look Kasie, we've just got word of a plane crash in the high mountain region, to the east of us."
Kasie's eyes widened.
"Tanka and I are going to have to leave you here, again, alone. It's probably for the best, since your father is due here any day now. But first, I want to make sure you can use this thing, if you have to. It's an antique, so take good care of it. Pay close attention to what I tell you."
Kasie peered down at the gun, then up at him. "But Ole Blue is dead, what's to be afraid of?"
Amory grinned in surprise. "You never know. At least I'm not leaving you unprepared, this time. There's firewood this time, too, so remember that. Now, I've loaded it and I want you to try and hit that low hanging branch on the hemlock over there," he pointed, then handed her the gun.
 Tucking her bright yellow oxford shirt into her Levi's, and buttoning her coat, she took the gun. The clothes still didn't fit, but it didn't matter any longer. "Don't you think I should have a lesson on how to shoot first?"
"This is a lesson. And I'm assuming you know a little about them, or you wouldn't have thrown such a fit for me to leave you one."
"Thanks for that," she said with a smile. "Now, I just aim and hit?"
He rolled his eyes. "That's the general idea, yes." 
She positioned the gun like she'd seen so many times on TV. She aimed, and pulled the trigger. The gun flew up, her shoulder flew back, and she fell on her bottom in the snow.
Without a grunt she got up, dusted her pants. "Well, did I hit it?"
Chayton looked at her strangely, and then let out a laugh. "Not hardly, but you scared the hell out of a rabbit."
"Ha-ha, very cute."
He moved in closer, until she could smell the light scent of mint on his clean-shaven cheek. If she leaned just a little closer—
"Now, let's learn how to shoot the gun and hit something with it," he added, pulling her into the circle of his arms. Warm arms.
"Hold the gun as though you were going to shoot."
She repositioned the gun, trying to keep focused on what she was doing, rather than who she was with.
Immediately he shook his head, brushing her cheek just the slightest, and sending a wave of awareness through her. His cheek felt soft against hers, and she thought she heard him groan softly. Must have been her imagination, she chided.
Again his arms were around her. Warm, strong arms that held all the security Kasie ever needed.
Again her throat tightened, her arms shook, and her legs quivered. She was a mass of nerves.
"Now, lower your head until you can see out the sights," he commanded, pointing to where he wanted her to look. "Got it?"
She barely nodded, causing her cheek to rub gently against his. He cleared his throat and straightened away.
"Okay, now try for the limb again."
She shut her eyes and squeezed the trigger. Again, she landed in the snow.
Amory was doing his best to hold back the laughter, a poor job.
"Would you stop?"
He sobered. "Sorry, but at least you hit the tree this time. You're doing better. We'll just have to do something about the after-effects. Let's try standing with your feet apart, and sort of digging into the spot."
She made the necessary adjustments, as his hands pushed and pulled on her legs. It was an endless battle keeping her mind on what they were doing.
Her blood pumped so hard that she was sure he could hear it.
"Good, steady your aim, put your barrel a little lower than the spot you want to hit. Ease down on the trigger, pull too fast and you'll move your sights. Now, pull, gently."
She closed her eyes once more, but opened them to check her sights, then pulled and was surprised to see that a tip of the branch was blasted away. She jumped into the air and cheered.
Amory smiled.
"Not bad. See where you hit the branch? Next time you aim at it, remember that you are still a little right and too high for your target. We'll have another lesson later. You aren't great, but with this kind of gun you don't really have to be. The only thing better would be a sawed off shotgun." 
"Then why the lesson?"
"Because if you don't know how to aim or hold a gun, you could hurt someone. Even yourself. Tanka's a perfect example."
"I see, I'm just another idiot with a gun." 
Amory's smile faded. "Don't be so damned touchy. I'm just trying to help you."
"Sorry. You know, Amory," she glanced at him smugly, "you cuss too much."
"Picked it up, somewhere." He smiled back. "How do I load this thing, and how many bullets will it hold at once?"
Tanka shook his head as he joined them. "Looks like she's curious. I think Kasie could actually make a pioneer woman, with a little practice."
Suddenly Amory stiffened and started walking off. "Oh, I don't know. I'm sure she's getting anxious to get home. But at least she won't have been bored to death."
"Can I go with you guys?"
The men looked at each other, then her, and choired, "No way!"
The ranger showed up at the door in less than an hour.
 Completely outfitted and geared up, Tanka stood in front of her. He leaned to kiss her on the cheek. He smelled sweet, Kasie noted, but not tempting.
Amory, on the other hand, looked like a bad storm about to erupt. He came to her side, avoiding her eyes for as long as he could.
"Look, Kasie," he drawled, "your father will no doubt be here before we get back. And whether you believe this or not, I'm sorry for all the inconvenience I've caused. I never once thought this would happen. John assured me he'd speak to your employer, personally. And he'll square things with your mom and boy-friend."
Kasie's throat seemed to swell up into a knot. This was goodbye, and she knew it. Her heart felt empty. There was no time to apologize for the hard times she had deliberately given him. No time to say she loved him and make him believe it. 
"Anyway," he was saying, "John's not one to hang around long, and we'll be gone a while. So, I guess this is it. I'm sorry we got off on the wrong foot again, Kasie, but maybe ...our paths will cross again, someday. And believe it or not, if this Rick Springer guy is what you want, then I'm happy for you."
"I—I don't want to stay here alone." She cried thinking about his words and wishing she could set things right. "Why do you have to go? Why can't the rangers take care of it?"
"They could, but we're closer, and we know our way around that area better than they do. It's a matter of getting there in time, more than anything. We've worked up there. Besides, we don't know how many people were in the plane, and it takes several to carry them down the mountain, especially if they can't walk. I want to warn you, it could even be your father."
She gasped.
"This is part of my life, Kasie, what I do. I have to go. I'm sorry—for a lot of things."
 She'd cry later. She swallowed the lump in her throat with great difficulty. "Then I guess this is goodbye."
"No," he boomed, pulling her chin back up to meet his angry gaze. Without so much as a warning he scooped her into his arms, holding her tight and hard, and looking directly into her somber face. "This is," he murmured, just before his lips came down on hers.
It was like a hot branding iron against her mouth.
He stole the air and life from her. Kasie's heart felt as though it might explode. Her mind blanked, save for reveling in the knowledge that for a few seconds, he might be all hers. This couldn't be goodbye. Not when they had finally found each other. She needed him so. And at last she admitted she loved him with all her heart. Her decision, no one else's. Her arms flew up and around his neck, and she answered his kiss full fold.
"So long, Kasie," he said, dragging himself from her and out the door.
But he couldn't go—she hadn't told him yet!


Chapter Ten


A dozen questions clamored in Kasie's head at once, as the men headed in an easterly direction through the thick blanket of snow. Questions like, who was in that plane crash? Were they badly injured? Was it her father? And if it was what would she do? Was that why Amory and Tanka seemed so anxious to leave? No, she wouldn't think in that direction; she'd be a wreck. Would they be alive when they were found? She had to keep busy, not think about it. Yes, that was the only answer. As long as she was busy, she didn't have time to worry.
Kasie wondered how long they would be gone. Should she prepare supper? Would the firewood hold out this time? Amory had said it would. Could she manage on her own? Of course she could. Could she fire that damned ole gun if she had to? Fire it, yes, but hurt someone or something, she doubted it.
She glanced around the cabin and realized just how safe and snug she felt here. She had become comfortable here, at home.
Still, just because she was capable of chopping wood and could aim a gun didn't mean she was ready to become part of the Wilderness Family.
Determined not to spend her time uselessly, she settled by the fire with the book Gina had left behind, a romance. Not exactly her kind of reading, but anything would do right now. She thought about how she was warm and snug by the fire, and how the men must be half freezing in the cold.
It was his job, he had said. Did she know how proud she was of him? Probably not, because until recently she'd been so witchy with him.
 She was almost getting into the novel when the door flew open, and in walked a tall, silver-haired man with aquatic eyes, and a smile as big as Texas on his handsome face.
Kasie jumped to her feet, startled.
"Hello, father." Her voice sounded husky. She felt speechless. All those words she had been planning to use were not there anymore. Nothing seemed available to say.
How could she sound so casual? "Hello, father?"
As though she had seen him yesterday.
This was the father she hadn't seen for eight years. Where was the temper she had stored up so long to use on him? Why couldn't she lash out at him?
There was a sudden impulse to run into his arms and cry, but she rooted herself. He was going to have to make the first move.
He was just as she had pictured him: tall, elegant, yet just a little pale, and he had aged some. His face held very few wrinkles, but it was weathered and intelligent looking. His body was still strong and controlling. There was power in this man, a power like she saw in Chay Amory.
The look on his face said he wasn't as sure of himself as she expected him to be. Perhaps his daughter intimidated him, for surely nothing else did.
"Kasie," he finally murmured, his voice steady, forceful, and he stretched his arms out to welcome her into an embrace. Kasie hesitated for a long moment, and then she walked slowly over to him and extended her hand.
But he was having none of that, he pulled her straight into his arms, and hugged her to him. She felt the smallest of shudders from him, and heard his voice break a couple of times as he told her how glad he was to see her. It sounded genuine.
It was hard not to respond to a man who willingly opened his arms to her. Who called her his baby.
She smelled the expensive cologne, felt the fine texture of his coat rubbing against her cheek, and heard him say the words she longed to hear.
"I've missed you, honey."
The next few minutes were a chaos of emotions running rampant as hugs and sobs were suddenly shared, and tears were shed.
"I thought you'd never get here," she barely managed to say as he kissed her forehead and looked deep into her misty eyes, like the devil himself, searching for a soul.
After a long time he released her and chuckled. "I began to think so, too. I'm sorry it took so long, but I had little choice in the matter. I guess the shoe's been on the other foot so to speak lately. I haven't been in total control of situations, and it's darn hard to take. God, you look so beautiful. Even more so than I remembered."
"I'm not a little girl any more, dad."
"But still my baby. When Chay told me you were here, safe and sound, I could hardly wait to see you. And I'm sorry I had to do this, Kasie, but I felt it was the only way to make you see things straight. We don't see things the same way, and that's okay. I've wanted to see you so many times."
"What stopped you?"
He frowned and walked around the cabin, finding an ashtray for the cigarette he had just lit.
"Can't seem to break this damned habit of mine. Well, your mother for one. How could I have known you were in Texas? Ava never let on. I never dreamed you'd go back there."
"It's where I was born. Where Julia was from. I stayed with her until she died."
Kasie marched over to the ashtray and squashed his cigarette. He frowned, "Not you, too?"
"They'll kill you, dad."
He nodded "She was a remarkably good woman. I was informed of her death by a mutual friend of your mother's. I sent flowers, but was out of country at the time. Cancer is a very hurtful thing to watch, especially when it gets hold of someone you love. I'm very proud you helped take care of her, Kasie She certainly deserved your devotion."
"It seemed the least I could do for her after she took care of me so much of the time. She always spoke fondly of you, dad. Even when I didn't. I loved her...like a mother."
"A loyalty she surely earned. I thought of her many times. Envied her many times."
"Envied?"
"Of course! She had the pleasure of being with you most of the time. I worked too much of the time. I thought I'd never see you again. I never guessed you'd move to Texas. I suppose I should have, knowing how close you'd grown to Julia."
"I moved there to get away from Mother, and of course, Julia being so sick kept me there until I decided to stay. By then, I had found a good paying job."
"Yes, but there's been a lot of moves since then. And yet, when I think of it, I can almost understand it. You were never really part of your mother's fancy life. I wondered many times if I did the right thing in letting you remain with her so long."
 "Letting me, father? I ran away from you, remember?"
"Me and Chay." 
"Mostly you."
"You disappointed me that day you ran off, without so much as a word. Maybe I deserved, it, but certainly he didn't."
"Amory could never say no to you father, even when it was in his own best interest. Forcing him to propose ..."
"I never forced him."
"Of course you did, you just don't realize the kind of pressure you use."
"No, no, you are wrong. I'll admit I pretty near forced him to bring you here, but I didn't force him to propose to you back then. That was all his idea."
"You never let up, do you, father? It doesn't matter now, that's over and done with."
"Doesn't matter? Why Kasie, of course it matters. I never for once thought you didn't know."
"Didn't know what?"
"Chay had plans to build this place for you. He had already spoken with the preacher about christening your children. The boy had big plans. None of which was my doing. He was even going to give you his mother's wedding ring, a beautiful one- carat diamond. But, I guess you are right, it doesn't matter now, though. So, did you like living with your mother?"
"But that's impossible," Kasie cried, reeling with this confusion. "He never told me any of it. He never even told me he l—" Kasie eyes closed. Dear God, had he loved her then? Why hadn't she recognized it? Why hadn't he said the words she so longed to hear? Had she wronged him? But it was too late. Then, remembering what her father had asked, she shook herself and replied. "I tried, but I never quite fit in." 
"And is this Rick character a product of your mother's meddling?"
"No. She didn't even like him in the beginning." 
"Then you decided to marry him on your own?" 
"Yes. We were a lot alike in many ways."
"And is he good to you?"
She chuckled. "Of course, why?"
"Nothing, we'll talk about that later. You look great." He was saying, shaking his head and smiling.
"You look great, too, dad."
"God, I've dreamed of this day. Having you back here."
He sounded sincere.
He glanced around, then asked, "So, where's Chay and Tanka? I'm anxious to talk to the both of them."
"O—oh, there was a plane crash, and they went to help."
He nodded. "Of course, I heard something about it on the radio. A private plane, a young couple on a ski trip. I hope they are okay."
"Oh, no! So do I," she agreed. "You know, it just occurred to me a little bit ago that it might have been you."
Funny, but it hadn't been her intention to hug and kiss her father when she saw him. Perhaps it was the long wait that had mellowed her. Or the secret yearning she had had all along to see and be with her father once again. Or the fact that it wasn't him in the plane crash.
"I just can't believe how beautiful you've become," he said, smiling into her face. It was obvious he was running out of conversation, and a little on edge.
Beautiful!
"I—I heard you've remarried. Where's your bride?" Kasie asked, distracting him from herself.
His eyes averted hers for the moment. "Yes, she's at the lodge in Eugene. I wasn't planning on staying here long. At least no more than a night. So, why don't you get your stuff together, and we'll go on down, tonight."
He wanted to leave, now? Now! Just like that, in the middle of the evening. She glanced around. She hadn't prepared herself for leaving so abruptly. She figured her father and Amory would have a few things to talk about.
Yet, Amory had said his goodbye, and there was no reason left to stay. There were no declarations of love, or sorry to see you go. She had to face it once and for all, Amory didn't love her.
"Don't you think we should spend the night and go back in the morning?" she asked, her heart sinking when he shook his head.
"There's really no need, darling. The roads are wide open now, and it won't take any time at all to get there. Besides, Margaret expects us. We'll leave Chay and Tanka a note. And believe me, I won't forget their kindness."
Her heart plummeted. "You don't need to talk with him?"
"It can wait."
"Well, then," she said, forcing a smile, "I guess I should pack up."
Her heart sank into a black oblivion. This was the last goodbye.


Chapter Eleven


"You know, I didn't know about Margaret until Rosie told me. We stopped there on the way up to get a few supplies."
He cleared his throat and looked away from her. "You'll love Margaret. Everyone does. Best thing that's ever happened to me, and I know it, too. I can hardly wait until the two of you meet."
"Yes, I'm anxious to meet her. It's been so long since I was ho—I mean."
Home? This was her home, and she realized it now. The cabin in the wilderness was her home, that's why she had felt so comfortable here.
Why was there a big lump in her throat? Why did she feel as though she were deserting something? Foolish girl, you don't belong here, just wishful thinking. You never did!
When she took a little too long with her things, he seemed puzzled. "Can I help?"
"No, I don't have that much. Forgive me, my thoughts are so scattered right now. I just have a few things. That reminds me, I need to see that he's paid for these clothes."
He chuckled, coming closer and pulling her back into his embrace. "Don't you fret about that. I'm just glad Chay had enough sense to see to those sorts of things before he brought you here. Otherwise, it might have been a disaster with this untimely blizzard."
Kasie's mind was racing with questions.
"Had you known this Margaret long before you married her?"
 "I've known her most of my life. She's good people. We'd been friends for years before her husband died."
"So I've heard."
"You don't know the half of it. Why, I actually dated her in my younger days. Would have proposed, but Margaret never was the kind to two-time a man. She was practically engaged. But enough about me and the bunch around here now tell me, did Chay take good care of you?"
"Uh...yes, of course. I mean, at first I didn't know what hit me, the way he stormed in on me. And he is a bossy man. I mean, I couldn't be sure..."
"That was my fault. Believe me; Chay Amory didn't want to do this. And if he hadn't been such a good friend, I doubt he would have."
Kasie's mouth flew open.
"No sir, Chay Amory is first class. He'd never consider doing something like this under normal circumstances. He probably wouldn't have, if he hadn't felt just a smidgen sorry for me. And naturally, I let him."
"That's what he said, too." She paused a moment for reflection, then glanced at her father with happier eyes. "He also told me about your by-pass. Why didn't you contact us, father? I'd have come. Don't you know that?"
"Well, I thought it best at the time to see how it came out first. Besides, it's over, no need going into that, now." He looked distressed.
"I think there is every need, father. I happen to love you, believe it or not. I'd have come."
John eyed her a long moment. "Yes, I think you would have. But I was trying to spare you. Besides, I never believed for a moment I deserved your pity."
 "Pity! I never pitied you, father, only loved you." She stopped and realized her anger had been for nothing. Not wanting to fight and argue with him at this moment, Kasie dropped the subject. The mere mention of his by-pass brought pain and agony to his face, and his age was showing. She felt an unwilling compassion swamping her.
"You look happy, father," she said, forcing the issue out of her mind.
He chuckled again and patted his stomach. "I should. Margaret has been a life-send. Wait until you meet her. You're going to love her. She's a good woman, and I'm only sorry it took me so long to recapture what we once had."
Kasie stopped everything and looked directly at him. "Aren't we going to discuss this little stunt of yours now?"
He eyed her carefully, and then half smiled, half frowned. "I thought we'd wait. But since you insist on laying things out in the open, okay. You see, I did some checking on this Springer fella while I was stuck down there in South America. Come to find out, he's a pretty decent young man, except for a rather nasty temperament. That worried me. I wasn't about to let you get tied down to a man like that. I even went so far as to speak with your mother. Of course, she was furious. Something about upsetting the wedding plans. She didn't seem that concerned for your welfare, only the scandal I was causing."
"I can take care of myself, dad."
"Can you?" His brow lifted in question.
"It was only once, dad. Don't make it more than it was. I opened my mouth, and the wrong thing came out, and he slapped me. That's all."
 "That's all. Why would my daughter, whom I raised to think differently about men of such nature, take this so callously?"
Kasie grimaced.
"You can't marry this man, Kasie."
"Oh, father, this is what I've been running away from. This control you and mother want over me is killing me. I need to be free, to make my own choices, to make my own mistakes."
"It's a good thing I got hold of your mother. She was about to involve the FBI with this little caper of mine. I assured her you were in the best of hands. And I spoke with your boss personally, and he assured me that your job will be there when you return. If you still want it." He had ignored her.
"That was kind of you." 
"I owed you that much."
"Yes, you did." She snickered.
"But, it was necessary. At least, I thought so at the time. And I suppose, if the truth be known, I just needed to see you, even if for a short time. I've missed you so much."
"Necessary?" She repeated his words dully. "Necessary for whom?"
"You don't love this fellow. I can see it in your eyes. Your eyes always give you away, Kasie. Why, if you loved him, you'd scratch my eyes out for saying one wrong word about him. You can't."
"I never said I loved him. We were—comfortable together."
"Then why in heaven's name did you want to marry him?"
Kasie studied the question for a long moment, the truth hitting her squarely in the face. "I suppose I've been so dead bent on not letting you and mother lead my life that I refused to admit I had made a mistake, on my own."
"Well, it's about time you came to your senses. But what are you talking about, leading your life? Have I ever led your life?"
"Always. Why do you suppose I walked out on Amory eight years ago?"
John looked puzzled. "I thought that might be the case. But I'd like to hear from you?"
"Because you arranged the whole thing, father. You took his life, and my life, and because you wanted him for your son, you tried to marry him off to me. You can't deny you wanted it."
"That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard you say. You really believe a man like Chay Amory would marry you just because I ask him to?"
"He kidnapped me and brought me here, didn't he?"
"That's different."
"How so? Didn't you ask him to?" 
"But I never asked him to marry you."
"O—of course you did," Kasie exclaimed, sure she'd get an admission from him soon. "I heard you talking the night before the wedding. You were bragging about how you snowed me. How it was going to be so nice to have him in the family at last."
"That's true, but I meant my dreams were coming true. I was happy the two of you were going to marry.  He's a good man. The way he carried such a torch for you, I was certain he'd compromise you before he married you. You wouldn't believe the times I talked to that boy after you went out with him. I wanted him in the family, but I didn't want you walking down the aisle pregnant. You were too young, and perhaps I was too protective. And yes, I wanted him in the family, but not like you're suggesting. Marriage was his idea, Kasie. I thought you knew that. I thought he told you how much he loved you, worshiped you. You'd have to have been blind not to have seen it."
Kasie's face went ashen. No, she couldn't have been wrong all this time. Chay Amory had never once said he loved her. That had been the cincher. If he had really loved her, he would have said so. Not once in all the times they dated. He had barely kissed her back then. He'd always been such a gentleman with her.
"You are so impossible, father. You can't even admit the truth to my face after all this time."
"But I'm telling you the truth."
Kasie stopped and stared into her father's eyes sadly. "Then I guess we'll both never know, now."
His arrogance was unbelievable, and if she were sure of his health, she might go on with this little tirade. Now the real John Douglas came forth, taking his daughter by the shoulders and looking directly into her eyes.
"Yes, I realize that. But I'm not going to apologize, Kasie, for caring and loving you, or for wanting Chay in the family. But believe me, it was all his idea. He came to me asking for your hand, and I gave him my blessing. But if you think I was overjoyed by him wanting to marry you at that age, you're nuts. I wanted him to wait until you were old enough. However, seeing how much he loved you, I was really afraid for your virtue. He was madly in love with you."
"Th—then I've truly wronged him?" She choked, unable to forgive herself, and saddened by her own loss.
"I don't know, darling. Only you and he would know that."
"If only you hadn't been so controlling. And I so—blind."
John's jaw tightened as he stared at her. "I never looked at it that way. I suppose you are right. And maybe you're also right about your mother and I being alike in that way. Too alike. Perhaps that's why we couldn't make a go of it. I know we tried. I loved her in my fashion, and I know, deep down, under all that bull, she loved me, too. Perhaps I hurt her more than I realized. But you'll learn as you grow older that if you don't take charge, someone else will."
"It's this total disregard for others," she began.
In his frustration, and the will not to fight, he took her by the arms, smiled a beguiling smile and promised. "Let's take this up later, shall we? We need to get on the road."
"Alright," she agreed, gathering herself together with the burden of a lost love in her heart. "I'm sorry, Father, I don't want to fight with you. I don't want to fight anymore."
"I know, Kasie, but with you it is inevitable. You have a little of your mother in you, too, you know? Now, don't leave anything behind."
Kasie sighed heavily as she zipped her bag and took one long glance about the room. She was leaving something behind—her heart. Perhaps it had always been here, with this man, Chay Amory.
"Now tell me," John asked as they packed the jeep and headed down the long winding mountain road, "How did you and Chay get along, after all this time?"
"After the initial shock, I suppose we reached an understanding," she managed to say, the lump growing in her throat. The fact that she had been wrong all these years lay heavy on her heart, and made her realize that she had lost so much.
"I hope you didn't hold a grudge with him over this. I mean, this whole thing was my doing, not his. I'm responsible. He really wanted no part of it from the beginning. But I think I managed to influence him with my dramatics. And just because he agreed to do it is no reason to blame him, either. He's been operating this business for some time, alone and doing a damned good job of it. If I'd have had a son, he'd have been the one I wanted. He's honest, loyal, and a damned good business man. And he happens to love my daughter."
"From the way he talked, I gathered the two of you were close all these years. And I'm glad you had someone, father."
"He's the only man I'd trust to do what he did." 
"Why is that?"
"Because I know him. And I can tell you that in all my dealings with people, they just don't come any better than Chay Amory and Tanka, except maybe their father, the Irish."
"I've heard he was quite a character, too. Too bad I never got to meet them. You really wanted a son, didn't you?"
"Very much." He nodded. "And I'll tell you something else I want, too, while we're at it. I want and expect some grandchildren. I hope you've discussed this with your man and agree."
"I'm afraid you're telling the wrong person about that. I'm not getting married, father. If I've learned anything from this experience—it's that I won't compound one mistake with another."
"Does this mean you won't marry that Springer character?"
Oh, no, here it comes. He wanted her to admit she was wrong about Rick Springer; well, fine, he'd get his apology. "No, father, I won't be marrying Rick. I was wrong."
"You say that as though it hurt to say it." 
"It did."
 Funny, somehow admitting it aloud didn't hurt as much as she had thought it would.
"I hope this doesn't mean you'll never marry. Just because I walked out on your mother doesn't mean men can't be trusted."
Her mouth flew open. "How did you..." 
"Margaret told me. She said a woman that lost her father as a child can be so devastated that it leads to mistrust." He saw her look of surprise, and he explained, "I'm sorry, darling, I should have known that Ava wouldn't promote this thing with Rick Springer, though. He's definitely not your type from all I've been able to find out."
"That's what I liked about him." Kasie couldn't stop the smile playing at her mouth. "Mother fought this union at first, but then she soon realized it did no good, and accepted it."
"Look, Kasie, I walked out on your mother, not you. I took you with me, because you wanted to come. Because I loved you. You've got to understand that. I suppose I was controlling, but I didn't mean to be. I realize I can't lead your life for you, but I needed to know you and this Springer fellow could make it together."
"Did you have me investigated?"
"Not you personally, but the people you've been with."
"And I thought I was at last rid of your control." 
"Not altogether."
"Not at all."
"But I wanted you to tell me about it. I had him investigated while you were dating him. I didn't like him then, and I certainly have no use for him now. You're better off without him."
"It wasn't all his fault, Dad," she began.
 "It never is. And I'm glad to know you learned that. But I want you to remember there are more fish in the sea."
Kasie folded her hands into her lap. "I know that. But I'm just not sure I'm ready for any more fish." They talked all the way down the beautiful, snow-capped mountain. He wanted to know everything that was going on in her life. Everything he had missed out on. He even went so far as to ask about her mother.
It was no wonder Kasie felt empty when they finally reached the lodge. It was too late for anyone to be up, so he showed her to her room, and said she'd meet Margaret in the morning.
Kasie sighed heavily with relief and exhaustion. She wasn't ready for more confrontations. Leaving the cabin had been more traumatic than she realized.
"If he had just said he cared, hinted about his feelings eight years ago, none of this would be happening now." She beat her fist into the pillow. Remembering back eight years ago how he had treated her, she began to understand some of it. He had been so protective and nurturing, too. A little like her father. Had she run from him because of it? That would explain it. That controlling thing. She dropped into bed that night without a shower. She didn't want to think about anything, just sleep forever.
The next morning was chaotic. She had barely had time for her shower when her father and Margaret burst in on her.
From the moment they met, Margaret seemed to be in complete harmony with Kasie. It was strange how friendly she was, and what a pleasant face she had. She couldn't be described as beautiful, and yet she was. She looked middle-aged, with graying brown hair, curled and pulled back out of her face. She wasn't petite, but she was rather tall and slender. She bubbled with enthusiasm. Her dark blue eyes shone every time she looked at her new husband. They were in love.
When they went downstairs for breakfast, they met Rosie in the restaurant.
"John, she is lovelier than even you described," Margaret was saying. "Don't you agree, Rosie?"
"She's a real looker, alright."
"How could either of you doubt it?" He beamed. 
"I didn't," Margaret corrected gently.
"Don't let all this go to your head, though." John chuckled, eyeing his daughter closely.
Their coffee cups were empty, so Rosie got up and helped herself to the warming pot on the stove behind the huge oak bar.
The restaurant seemed deserted, but it was early. "And why isn't Chay with you this morning?"
Rosie questioned, knowing the two of them were inseparable when they were in the same vicinity.
"I'm sure you've heard about the plane crash?" John began.
"As a matter of fact, I did hear about it. I should have known those two boys would be in the search party. They know that territory like the back of their hands. If anyone can find them, they can. I only hope no one is seriously injured." Rosie added.
"Has there been any news this morning?" Kasie tried not to sound too anxious, but she was unaware that her face mirrored her concern.
"No, darlin'." Rosie's brow lifted in surprise, and then she smiled.
 "Such a tragedy," Margaret was saying, as she adjusted her blue linen suit.
Kasie sat quietly, listening to them talk. She hadn't slept well. There were circles under her eyes, and she hadn't bothered with any make-up. She wanted to impress Margaret, because first impressions were important. She wore the only other dress in her bag, a bright yellow shirtwaist, with big side pockets on each side of the flaring skirt. It felt good to be in a dress again. It made her more confident somehow.
She dabbled with her scrambled eggs though. She wasn't hungry. At least not for food.
"Aren't you hungry?" John asked, eyeing her perceptively.
"N-no, not really."
John glanced at all the ladies around him, cleared his throat and wiped his mouth with a napkin. "I see, well, in that case, I think it's time we had our little talk. If you ladies will excuse us for a while…" 
"John, do you think . . ?" Margaret began, a worried look lining her face.
"Don't worry, dear, it will be just fine." He stood up, bent and kissed Margaret on the cheek, and took Kasie by the hand. He led her out onto the long covered wharf behind the lodge. It was a long walk, mostly in silence, but his firm grip of her hand never wavered.
What a spectacular view! The sea looked rough today, the wind blowing cold out of the north.
 "Kasie," her father barely uttered her name, and turned to look at her, waiting for her full attention. "I want to apologize for everything first." Now Kasie was looking, with disbelief and shock.
 "Apologize, father, for what?"
"For everything in your life," he murmured as though his mind had suddenly wandered a million miles away. "For trying to raise a daughter like a boy. That was one of my first and biggest mistakes. For the loneliness you've suffered in that life, leaving you, always leaving you for bigger deals. For your life, Kasie. There's so much to explain. I hardly know where to begin."
"M-my life? Father, what are you talking about?"
Kasie's voice was one of concern.
"I should never have left you so much when you were younger. Leaving a child, in a wilderness setting all those years, running off to attend to business so much, while all the time your child is growing up under your nose. But the worst part is, you are a girl. I was wrong. You probably should have been with your mother."
She leaned against the railing of the wharf. "Father, I've made it a rule not to dwell in the past, and you're just going to have to forgive me for being a girl."
"Oh, I agree, it is a fine rule. And in case I've never said it, you're the best part of my life." he cleared his throat and thrust his hands into his pockets of his gabardine slacks. "Let's talk about today and tomorrow."
Kasie shrugged. "Where do we start?" 
"With that Springer fellow."
Kasie didn't want to talk about Rick. It was over, and there was no use talking about it. "What about him? He's part of the past."
"Is he? I wonder. Why would you put yourself through that, Kasie? Knowing he might end up a wife-beater from the start, how could you even think to marry such a man, and why?"
"You want the truth?" 
"Absolutely."
"When I learned that you set me and Chay Amory up eight years ago, I had the feeling that there had to be something wrong with me. You had to ask a man to marry me. What I've wanted all along is a man that wanted me for being me, not being John and Ava's daughter."
"But I didn't set it up, Kasie. I've tried to tell you this. I don't know why you would think such a thing. You were a child, and I was glad that someone like Chayton had fallen in love with you, but…"
"I know that now, but not then. I lost respect for myself. In a way, at least. I thought I wasn't good enough, not woman enough. I'd been such a tomboy. And after careful consideration, I understood that no man wanted a tomboy for a wife. I knew nothing of being a woman, father. Under those conditions, I went to stay with mother for a while. I thought I might learn something about it from her."
"But I'm telling you, he was crazy in love with you."
Kasie stopped, refusing to hope any longer that her father's words were true. "If he was, he never said so."
"I don't believe it." 
"Ask him sometime."
"I will, by God."
After a long silence John asked. "Who were you made for?"
"God only knows," she said, with a sad chuckle.
 After a long silence, he barely touched her elbow to turn her to face him. "Tell me, how did Chay treat you?"
Treat her? How could she possibly answer that question? A few weeks ago she might have told him a few things about his 'son'. But not now. Not after falling so terribly in love with the man again.
"He's a bully," she began.
"Male Chauvinist," her father agreed, with mock indignation.
"That's the word," she said, happy to have him agree with her. At least now he wasn't trying to shove Amory down her throat. "After I got over the shock of what he was pulling, everything smoothed out, I suppose. But it took a while. We fought a lot." 
"Really? That's strange, not many people fight with Chay. And was he a gentleman?"
Kasie eyed her father suspiciously. "I thought you said you trusted him."
"I do. But he's a man, and you're a beautiful young lady."
"Nothing happened, if that's what you're getting at," she admitted reluctantly. Nothing except I fell in love with him all over again, she thought quietly. "I'm sure he's glad to be rid of me, I gave him such hell."
John was frowning. "I thought...hoped, it doesn't matter. I just want you to be happy."
"I'm happy," she insisted, knowing it wasn't the truth. She'd never be happy again, because she'd been such a fool and lost the only thing in her life that mattered.
"I'm just sorry I can't spend more time with you. I'll see that you're settled back home, make sure your boss understands the circumstances, and then I'm afraid, I'll have to return to work."
Kasie's heart fell to her stomach. Not only was Chay Amory out of her life, but she had been with her father one day, and he was already talking about leaving her again. She was losing everything that was important to her, and she wasn't sure she could stand it.
"I see, you're just going to drop me off in Texas and be gone again." Her voice became choked and harsh. "After turning my life totally upside down." 
John eyed her for a long quiet moment, and then put her hand to his lips. "Unless you'd consider coming home with us for a while. We could be a real family. It would give you time to really get to know Margaret. I can tell she's smitten with you. We'd love to have you. The only reason I didn't suggest it first was that you were so insistent on getting back to that job of yours."
A chance to live with her father again. This was what she had wanted for years. But she was a grown woman now, on her own. Could she drop everything and go with her father?
"I don't suppose you could spare me a day or two to make up my mind?"
John nodded slowly. "I suppose I could take off a day or two. It would be worth it, if you'd come home with us."
"Great, besides, I'd kinda of like to find out how Margaret feels about it first."
"She'd be elated, I can assure you."
They walked hand in hand back inside and joined Margaret.
"Well, that didn't take long," Margaret smiled her relief.
 John was beaming. "Kasie is considering coming to stay with us for a while. I told her I'd give her a couple of days to decide. Then we'll leave. That means we'll be here for Thanksgiving."
"Oh," Margaret said, as her eyes lit up, and she glanced from one to the other. "How wonderful! We could have such fun, Kasie. I confess, I get a little lonely from time to time with your father gone so much of the time on business. It would be so nice having you with me. We could cook up a storm, and shop, of course, and I've wanted to fix up that middle room for so long. Oh, and Kasie, we live right on the beach. We bought a house on the beach, right near the Oregon, California state line. It is so beautiful in the summer. I know you'd love it."
"Sounds great, but I'll have to do something about my job. I've worked there for the past three years. I do have some vacation time saved up, but after this..."
"Sounds like Kasie has become pretty independent. It's hard to change something like that overnight," Rosie added
"I'm not pushing her, Rosie," John said, trying to stifle a frown, "just trying to persuade her, is all." At least he would give her time to decide.

~*~

On Thanksgiving morning John sent Kasie a dozen pink roses to her room. He lavished Margaret with red roses and exotic perfume. He sent Rosie a big box of candy that she promptly called to thank him for.
Kasie realized that this was her last day here, and that she had to make a decision soon. Her father was being very attentive and trying every way to persuade her.
 The Inn was decorated with all its Thanksgiving finery, and the restaurant was equipped with a huge pumpkin. Holiday songs echoed from the bar downstairs, and there was hustle and bustle all around.
Thanksgiving started out strangely. The snow had begun to thaw a little, and the sun appeared from nowhere. It was a welcome sight to everyone. There were rumors of floods, but so far, they were only rumors.
Kasie jumped out of bed with a start. And even though Chay Amory was on her mind almost constantly since she left the cabin, she was determined not to dwell on him today. No, today was Thanksgiving; it would be a special day she wouldn't forget with her father, Margaret and Rosie.
Rosie was so full of life, she reminded Kasie of Julia.
Kasie managed a quick shower, donned a pair of faded jeans and bright pink shirt then dashed downstairs. She paused long enough to marvel at the oil paintings of some of the captains on the wall lining the hallways. Their weathered faces seem to come right out of the oils. There was a huge, ballroom-like restaurant that hosted a solid oak bar, and a spectacular picture window that covered half a wall looking out to sea. The place was a shrine.
Rosie was inside the big kitchen, tapping her foot to some lively music and humming. When she spotted Kasie, she invited her in. "Come on in, darlin'."
"My, do you cook here, too?"
"Nearly everyone cooks here, from one time to another. But on Thanksgiving and Christmas, we all do."
 "Can I help?"
"Of course you can. Grab an apron from the last cabinet on the bottom there, and wash those giblets and set them on the fire for me," Rosie suggested, as though used to giving instructions..
"This is all so wonderful, Rosie. I wish mother and I could have done things like this together."
"And why couldn't you?" Rosie asked, surprised by her remark. Obviously, Rosie didn't know her mother.
"You don't know my mother. She isn't the type to slave in a kitchen' all day. My mother is an actress." 
"Ah yes, I've seen her on screen. And a very good one, too." Rosie said with a twinkle in her eyes. "I met her once, only briefly. She's a beautiful woman." 
"Yes, she's very good at what she does, I'll admit. But she's not very domesticated, Rosie."
"What a shame for you."
"Maybe, but the only one I ever cooked with was Julia, our nanny. Every now and then, when she didn't have a big party to prepare for, she'd let me come in the kitchen and help with things. I loved it. Miss it."
"It sounds like you were very close to this Julia?" 
"Very."
Rosie didn't pry any further.
Kasie glanced at the full table of food, and laughed. "Goodness, someone must have started weeks ago."
"More like a month, darlin', wait until you see the freezer." Rosie said with a laugh. "We'll have a mountain of food, but don't you worry, the way these men eat around here, there won't be a lot of leftovers, believe me."
"Do the Captains and their families really come?"
 "All that are in port do. It's a tradition, of sorts. I think it started because the men were out to sea most of the time, and the one holiday they always seemed to come home for was Thanksgiving. And they hadn't seen their neighbors or friends for ages."
"It's wonderful. And who owns this beautiful place now, Rosie?'
Rosie stopped what she was doing, and glanced at her in surprise. "You mean you really don't know?'
"No, why should I?"
"Your father owns it, darlin'. Has for over five years."
"Are you serious?"
"You've a lot of catching up to do, haven't you?" 
"Yes, I suppose I do."
In less than an hour Kasie found herself deeply engrossed in an apple pie recipe, flour all over her cheeks. She was too distracted with her work to worry about anything today. And she was having a blast.
Margaret came down an hour or so later and joined in the fun. She was modestly dressed in jeans and sweatshirt and was ready to dig in and help. And that's exactly what it was, too: fun! The three of them told jokes and odd little stories about themselves, and laughed together as though they had been acquainted all their lives.
It was no wonder there was a satisfied look on John Douglas' face when he spotted the three of them knee-deep in flour, and laughing about it.
His face beamed with happiness, and he looked so much younger than his sixty-three years. His glance toward Margaret told Kasie everything she needed to know about their relationship. They were very much in love, and Kasie was happy for her father.
Her eyes flitted to the man with silver hair and shining emerald eyes. There were a lot of things she didn't know about her father, yet. But she was going to learn.


Chapter Twelve


Rosie was right; everyone in Eugene turned out for Thanksgiving dinner. People were coming in from miles around with food. Families, big and small, brought food to place on the huge buffet. Some would stop long enough to admire the portraits on the walls of the fathers and ancestors that lined the hallway of the Inn. Others related stories of their latest ocean adventures.
Coats and hats rested on several hall trees by the entrance.
Children laughed and ran about the place as though they owned it, while most of the women joined Rosie and Margaret and Kasie in the kitchen.
The men gathered around the huge, plate glass window that overlooked the bay area. Pipes and cigars were lit, while tall tales of the season's fishing were told. Kasie couldn't stop herself from listening to some of them, fascinated by the illustrious way they were told and retold, always adding more detail each time.
The long table was abundantly adorned with all manner of food. Turkeys, hams, brisket, smoked salmon, even lobster and shrimp made up the main courses. There were vegetables of every color, and salads and dips, not to mention the abundance of desserts that lined one long area of the buffet. It was a feast for an army.
The center Captain's table Rosie had held for herself and her special guests, which included John, Margaret and Kasie, and several empty chairs. Rosie had been elected many years ago as the head delegate for this auspicious occasion, and she was in her element, dressed in her red and white dress; she beamed. Kasie later realized that Rosie knew almost everyone personally.
"I'm so glad we stayed here, dad," Kasie was saying, as everyone sat down. "After Rosie told me what a festival it was, I had to admit I was excited. There are so many families here, and yet it's a homey place to be for the holidays, don't you think?"
"I most certainly do. I've always enjoyed my holidays here, when I can make it, that is. I just wasn't sure you'd like it. And I'm glad you quit calling me Father and started calling me Dad. I never liked formalities in a family." John winked at Margaret, and reached to hold Kasie's hand. "I'm glad you are here to take part, and that it pleases you."
He studied her hand for a long moment, and then winked at Margaret. "A pretty hand, only it needs some jewelry."
"Now, John," Margaret warned.
"I don't think so," Kasie said, with a genuine smile.
Despite everything, she wasn't going to think of Amory today. She wasn't going to wonder whom he'd celebrate with, or whom he'd end up marrying, either. Realizing she'd lost her chance with him sent her stomach in a downward draw.
She wasn't going to worry that he might not marry at all, that he might live on that mountain alone for the rest of his life. Although that picture brought no solace either.
"Well now." Rosie stood up and glanced around, as she clanged the big ship bell at the end of the table. A hush fell over the room full of people. "First, I think we owe a round of thanks to the Chin's, since most of this feast is, has, and probably always will be prepared by them."
The Chinese family stood up, bowed and smiled broadly at Rosie, who insisted on bragging about them. "Beyond the call of duty, we believe, for any chef. And now I'd like the..."
The big double doors of the Inn burst open suddenly, sending a northerly breeze rushing through the room, and a small crowd of people came through to the tables.
"Sorry, Rosie, are we interrupting?" Chayton Amory asked, bold as daylight itself.
What was he doing here? Kasie's thoughts ran rampant. Could she manage this?
John was on his feet and shaking hands with them. They spoke quietly for several minutes, and then John returned to his place at the table.
Kasie sank down into her seat, but she couldn't stop her eyes from traveling up and down Amory several times. She was hungry for the sight of him. She was storing the sight of him in her memory for later.
He looked so tired, but he was clean-shaven, and was wearing new clothes. She couldn't stop herself from admiring how well they fit.
"Chayton, me darlin', come here and give Ole Rosie a big bear hug." She chuckled, grabbing him none too gently. He swung her around a few times before he let her go. Rosie's dress swished in the air. Everyone laughed.
"And Tanka, darlin', and Gina, dear. I'm so glad the three of you could make it."
"Gina Reynolds, everyone." Tanka smiled, and then held up her hand with a big diamond ring dangling from it. "Soon to be Gina Amory."
"Wonderful! It's about time, you devil," someone shouted from the back of the room.
A round of cheers rang out, and glasses clanged. "To the Bride and Groom!"
"And who have we here?" Rosie was looking beyond them to the couple standing shyly in the rear.

~*~
 

"This is Bill and Heather Williams, everyone. They are the couple from the plane crash. I'm not sure they are up to this, but they gotta eat, so I brought them here. We figured this was the best place to come for food, and they are famished," Amory explained, encouraging the couple to join them at the main table. His mind wasn't on the festivities, or the young couple he had helped rescue, but his eyes betrayed him several times as he drank in Kasie once more. She was lovelier than ever, looking beautiful in her green gingham dress, but then, she was beautiful in anything, he thought quietly. Seeing her once more filled him with a joy he couldn't contain.
"Welcome." Rosie beamed, shaking his hand and smiling at Heather. "We're so glad you've come, and that you're not hurt."
"It's wonderful to be here. We have a lot to be thankful for." They were a young couple, and they shyly clung to each other.
"I was going to have Thanksgiving at my place, but we were a little tied up this year," Amory remarked as he joined everyone at the table. He chose a chair just in front of Kasie. His eyes met hers briefly, as he sat down. He saw Kasie blush and smiled.
Rosie clanged the bell once more. "Now, as I started to say, we'll have a word of thanks and prayer from the Reverend Johnson, as is our custom. As you can see for yourself, folks, we have much to be thankful for."
Chayton glanced at Kasie once more as the prayer was offered.
The Reverend finished, and everyone chatted merrily as they gathered about the buffet. Napkins flew in the air, forks clanged, children laughed and everyone chatted.
Amory was busy talking with John and Tanka joined him.
Just before Rosie sat down, she reminded everyone to enjoy their meal and eat up. "Don't be bashful, there's a mountain of food here, and I'll be asking Chayton and Tanka to do the carving, please. That is, if you're up to it."
Amory and Tanka moved to the buffet, while everyone else lined up with their platters and utensils.
~*~

It was a half hour later before Kasie sat down at the table again, her plate half full of a variety of foods.
She wasn't hungry. How could she be hungry with a thousand butterflies churning at her tummy? In fact, food had been the least of her worries since she arrived at the Inn.
The emotional upheaval of the past few days had taken a toll on Kasie and she felt as though she were muddling through this wonderful holiday.
Being in the same room with Chayton Amory and her father could become an ordeal though, she suddenly realized with trepidation.
She nibbled at her food, stirring it about her plate to make it look as though she were interested, and eating well.
"Aren't you hungry, dear?" Margaret asked.
"I probably sampled too much while we were cooking."
Margaret seemed to understand completely. "I know. I'm not sure I can do my plate real justice." At least she had a comrade.
"You boys look none the worse for wear," John Douglas was saying, as he sat his plate in front of him, heaped to the limit. Amory and Tanka joined them at the table.
 "We had a hard time finding the plane," Amory began, his eyes going quickly around the table and stopping on Kasie just a little longer than the rest. "The snow was no help, of course, and the plane itself nearly burrowed right into the mountain. By the time we reached it, only a small part of it was recognizable. Trouble is, we came around to that same spot a couple of times before we realized what we were seeing. It's still hard for me to believe they came out of that thing with as few injuries as scrapes and bruises. Bill's got a busted arm, and Heather has a couple of busted ribs, but all in all, they are in great shape."
"Totaled?" John surmised quickly. Tanka leaned forward. "Completely."
Kasie's glance flew to the young couple. "You were very lucky."
"Yes, I'd say it's a good day to give thanks." Laughter floated around the room.
"We were all so worried." Margaret added solemnly, her eyes straying to the young woman. Amory sat up straight and glanced directly at Kasie. Boldly assessing her. His eyes glittered. 
"All of you?"
"Of course," John added.
"Sorry about that, it was quite unintentional. But there was no real danger, except for the weather and locating the plane itself. Now even the weather has cleared, which was a real break coming into Eugene. Of course, Tanka here is our real hero. He was the first one to spot the plane, and I dare say he's probably in a lot of pain from his fresh wound."
John shot Tanka a concerned look. "Yes, Kasie told us about that bear hunt, and all the crazy, would- be hunters. It must have been a little hairy during that ordeal?"
 Amory purposely sought Kasie out, a slow smile spreading over his tired, but happy face. They were sharing a silent moment, and she knew it; a moment with Ole Blue.
Kasie flushed bright pink, wondering if he was on the verge of telling them about Ole Blue. Instead, he kept silent. She was somehow thankful for that. It was something the two of them had shared and he didn't invite company.
Memories of her time with Amory, the bear, and her own adventure filled her mind, all at once. Her first encounter with Amory on the beach, her first kiss in the hotel, the bear, the blisters, and now—the heartache. Tears welled, making it painful to breathe without spilling them. But she couldn't let everyone see her cry. She swallowed hard, and refused any further temptation to look directly at Amory. 
Some day she would let it all come out. When she was home alone. When she gave herself time to think, to feel.
"Well now, Chay," John glanced at Amory curiously, clearing his throat effectively, "Kasie has been rather quiet about her time on the mountain. I thought she'd be full of stories to tell us. Maybe you can fill us in."
Again she could feel Amory's eyes on her, burning into her, demanding she look his way. But she steadfastly refused to look at him again, pretending a sudden interest in her food.
"What can I say, John?" Amory said, no longer looking at her. "She was a rather reluctant guest. Probably the most reluctant guest I've ever had. Oh, hey, excuse me, but the Gordon's sent a couple of pies with us, and I've forgotten to bring them in." 
"Bless her, I'll bet it's mincemeat. She always sends mincemeat." Rosie cried. "I wish they'd have come. Is young Kyle doing better?"
 "I checked on them on the way down, and Kyle is much better. In fact, after graduation he's going to work with the rangers. He said two or three of them had stopped by to check on his condition and tell him all about the bear hunt."
"How wonderful!"
"Tanka," John called, turning to him suddenly. "Can you shed a little more light on the subject for us about Kasie's time on the mountain?"
John was being deliberately inquisitive. Kasie felt the unease growing, despite the fact that Amory had left the table. But she realized Tanka would paint a better picture, and encouraged him to talk. "Go ahead, tell him. He won't leave you alone until you do."
Tanka winked at her, and then glanced around the table, a slow smile spreading across his face. "She was great, John. Just great. A real trooper, if I saw one. I mean, this little gal could be of pioneer stock. Why, she handled Ole Blue by herself, without a gun, which was more than most men up there had been doing lately. And she cooked and cleaned and never once complained, except that she wanted to go home, of course. She even chopped wood. She's as good as any mountain woman I've seen."
"And you've seen a lot?" Gina prodded, with a gentle laugh.
"My share." Laughter lit the room.
"My daughter chopped wood?" John seemed amazed. Confusion lit his face, as well as curiosity. "How modest of you, Kasie. You haven't said a word about it."
Kasie glanced at her new found friends and smiled. "There's nothing very interesting about chopping wood, Dad. I learned that real fast."
 Another round of laughter lightened the mood. She got a roomful of approval on that one.
"No, but I am impressed! It seems I have a lot to learn about my daughter. I'm very pleased and proud."
"You should be, John! She's quite a lady." Amory added as he placed the food on the table and joined them again. He didn't look directly at Kasie, but rather her father.
"Enough about me, I think Gina should have some recognition, here. After all, she played nursemaid to both Kyle and Tanka!" Kasie took the attention away from herself deliberately. Everyone turned to look at Gina. Everyone, that is, except Amory. He saw how her cheeks flushed.
John shook his head. "It sounds like the women have been doing most of the work up there lately."
Gina's face flushed at her sudden audience. Gina wasn't shy. She enjoyed the limelight and Kasie was happy to relinquish. "Maybe. But you'll be proud to know these boys are now in the middle of putting a bathroom in, John."
"About time," Margaret said, and shot them both a quick wink. "I don't know how we girls put up with such things."
Amory had been right about one thing; Margaret was a lovely woman, in all respects. Kasie was quickly falling in love with her and Rosie. She realized, too, that Margaret would be good for her father. It was obvious that Margaret had a great sense of humor, a factor her father was short on most of the time. As far back as she could remember, John Douglas had never had a loving relationship with a woman. Ava and John had fought most of their married life. They were so different, and yet so alike.
Margaret brought out the good qualities in her father.
Kasie suddenly felt as though she had become a small pat of butter, melting into the crowd. She was forgotten for the moment, and she liked it that way. For the first time, being ignored had its advantages. The way her father kept insisting on bringing her up caused Kasie to want to hide. She had never liked the spotlight, least of all now.
This was a wonderful day, full of surprises, and yet so very painful, because today she knew she was saying goodbye to everyone and to everything here. She was still an outsider, despite the fact that she chopped wood, cooked and maintained her sanity; this was not her home. She had made friends here, too, but would they write or call or even come see her? She doubted it.
She'd see her dad occasionally. There would be visits, and maybe better communication from now on. And perhaps he'd take more time for her. But Tanka and Gina and Rosie and especially Amory were practically history. It was like waking up out of a dream, and wondering if she should have woken up at all.
"I'd like to apologize publicly to my daughter and to Chay for the obvious strain I must have put them through. I only hope you both survived it without too many scars."
Scars? That was the word for it. She remembered Amory hand, and in a way she thought it comical that he would always have a reminder of her.
Amory nodded, his brow knitting. "Thank you for that, John." He hesitated, as he sought Kasie out once more. "We survived. And I'm sure Kasie is relieved to know I'm not a real kidnapper. Now she can get back to her life. And I apologize here and now, in front of all these witnesses for keeping her from it."
Kasie responded with a mere nod to him. "That said, let's have a bit of music." Rosie chimed into the conversation. She was perhaps the only one with the perception to change the subject.
 However, when she glanced at Kasie, Kasie realized Rosie knew everything. How she knew was unimportant. She knew.
Somewhere in the background a soft, sea-faring melody echoed. Couples got out of their chairs and onto the wood and sawdust dance floor. A short, thin little man, with a mustache bigger than his face came over to Rosie and held out his hand to her. Rosie beamed and took his hand.
"Corky, you ole rascal, how are you doing?"
Amory slapped him on the back just as he was headed for the dance floor. The old man grunted and took Rosie into his arms.
"Later, Chayton, right now I want to dance a slow jig with me girl." He drawled in what Kasie could only describe as a Popeye kind of voice.
"Good for you."
Kasie had never seen Amory in such good humor. He was like a new man. His ruggedly handsome face was transformed by his beguiling smile. He was all clean and fresh shaven, and wearing new clothes. His jeans were black and dressy, and his shirt was a beautiful rainbow of muted blues and grays.
Suddenly his fleeting gaze landed on her, like a camera zooming in for a closer shot. Most everyone had moved onto the dance floor, when he walked around the table, slowly and stood provocatively in front of her.
"Will you dance with me, Kasie?" His voice was low and husky, his eyes searching hers.
Kasie swallowed hard, then managed in a thin voice. "But I thought you said you couldn't dance?"
"I can't, but indulge me, will you?"
Several eyes were on them, and she didn't want to cause a scene. She followed him onto the dance floor and waited until he took her into his arms. He pulled her close. And they fit perfectly.
He moved stiffly at first, but when he finally relaxed, his movements smoothed out.
Her hips joined his, and her palms began to sweat.
"Don't worry, I'm not a very good dancer, myself." she murmured as he whirled her about.
"Oh, I don't know; we certainly seem to fit just right. I've never danced with a partner tall enough to lay her head on my shoulder. Maybe that's why I never cared much for dancing. At least with you I don't have to stoop over."
They passed John and Margaret, and her father winked at her.
Kasie wondered what he thought of them dancing together. Or if he thought anything at all about it.
Would he fit the puzzle together?
"So, how was meeting your father again?"
She lifted her head from his shoulder, unaware of how relaxed she had become. "It was—" what word could she use? "—nice."
"Really? I didn't know if you two would be fighting or hugging. But I voted for the latter."
She kept silent. She didn't want to talk. Chayton Amory was holding her, dancing with her, and the last thing she wanted to talk about was her father. She'd remember this moment on the dance floor with Amory for the rest of her life.
"I like that dress. It matches your eyes. Where did it come from?"
"Margaret and I went shopping earlier." She felt giddy from his compliment. She was aware that the neckline was a little lower than she was used to wearing, but why complain? He wasn't. In fact, he hadn't taken his eyes off her most of the evening.
"And the perfume?"
 "Margaret's. She insisted I wear some of hers. It's imported."
He seemed to notice the way all the resentment was gone from her voice when she spoke of Margaret, and he smiled and twirled her across the floor as though she were light as a feather.
His hands went lazily to her hair that was half up and half down. He seemed impressed with everything she had done for this occasion. Nothing like a man appreciating the efforts.
"Your hair—"
"You don't like it?" she questioned, reaching to touch it, their hands colliding in midair.
"How could I not like your hair? It's beautiful, you're beautiful, Kasie. And what makes you even more so, is that you don't know it."
That took her by surprise. She almost stopped dancing. But she couldn't. She was floating on air. "You're not mad at me anymore, are you, Kasie?" 
"N—no, of course not. I never was—" she felt as though she were stumbling over her words. He smiled, and she practically melted into his embrace.
His cheek brushed hers slightly, and he pulled her tighter into his arms. His big hands felt warm, caressing. The softness of his corduroy jacket brushed against her arms, stimulating her nerve ends. Could this day go on forever, she thought dreamily? "And have you forgiven me, too?"
"Forgiven you?" she asked blankly, so wrapped up in her feelings, she forgot her conversation. "Oh, you mean for...well yes, of course. I mean, I don't condone it, but under the circumstances and knowing dad..."
He laughed aloud, "Kasie, I wish you'd have been here in the springtime. It's really beautiful country in the mountains, during spring." He was saying so softly that only she could hear.
His lips nuzzled the side of her face as he spoke, and she trembled, fearing her legs would fail to carry her through the entire dance. 
"I'm sure it's beautiful." She murmured in a half breath.
The song ended and she started to go back to her table, but he pulled her back into his arms again.
"And what do you think of Margaret?" He asked, his eyes searching hers for the truth, as he held her close.
Kasie stared into his eyes. "I think she's wonderful. I think she'll be good for Dad. I can see they are in love."
"I'm glad you like her. But I'm surprised you used the word love. Maybe you do believe in it after all," he said, his lips brushing her cheek.
Heat began to rise between them, bathing her face in a pink glow. It felt as though the thermostat had been turned up to eighty degrees.
A hint of his woodsy cologne tickled her nose. The smooth caress of his cheek against hers burned through her, branding her. Her toes tickled, her mouth went dry and her heart stopped when she heard him say…
"I love you, Kasie, I always have."
He said it so softly, so dreamily, she wasn't sure she heard him correctly. And this was important.
"W—what did you say?" She broke the warm embrace and stared up into his handsome face.
"I said I'll miss you, Kasie," he smiled gently into her confused face. A light chuckle drifted above her head as he pulled her into his arms. "I'm going to do you one big favor, though. I'm going to let you go. Because the last thing I want to do is control you. You've been fighting that battle a little too long."
The song ended, and she stood still in the middle of the big room, staring up at him. Everyone else was leaving the floor. But she stood very still. She wanted to jump into his arms, kiss him, but his last words stilled her. He was letting her go? Why? To what? A life of doom? A life without love? His love?
Almost in slow motion, he walked her back to the table. As she stood numbly by his side, he suddenly excused himself for the evening.
He was leaving, her mind screamed, but her body stood still. What was wrong with her? Had she lost her mind? She was letting him go, just like that?
"Hate to be a party pooper, but it's been a long day, folks. A great dinner. The food was outstanding, as usual. So was the company. John, I'm glad you finally made it back, I was worried, I'll admit. I'm not a real kidnapper, Kasie."
"But son—"
"Tanka, congrats again to you and Gina. It's about time you made an honest woman of her, you rascal. I just hope she knows what she's getting herself into. Rosie, you're a lovely hostess as always, and Kasie, you are an experience I won't soon forget." He winked at her and turned around and walked off.
Walked off. Just like that. No more fighting. Kasie's mouth was still hanging open. She plopped down in the chair, flabbergasted! He was leaving her, just like that. Everything else between them had been a fight, why not this?
"Now, why on earth would he leave this early? It's not like Chay at all. I hope he's alright. He wasn't injured from that rescue, was he?" Margaret was fretting.
 Tanka shook his head and smiled as though he knew something everyone else didn't. "No, no injury, at least not physical." He glanced at Kasie and nodded. "I'm surprised he stayed this long. Chay's not a party animal, you all know that. Probably got something on his mind is all."
John glanced sharply at his daughter. "Did the two of you have words, Kasie?"
"Words?"
"Again?" someone echoed.
"Words?" she screamed this time. She'd been as charming as she knew how to be. She hadn't uttered one ugly word to anyone, and yet, they all looked at her as though she had brought his departure on. Her fists came down on the table to beat it. Her nervous foot stomping the floor, "No, father, we didn't have words. He simply told me he loved me, and that I could go home now. That's all! Does that make sense to you?"
"Loves you?"
Her voice had risen, and the entire room hushed. "Now, see here, Kasie. Exactly what did go on in that cabin?" John Douglas demanded to know starting to get to his feet.
"Go on?" her voice still rose. "Go on? Think the worst of me. But the answer is nothing, Father. But I'll guarantee you one thing, the next time you see me, you better have a preacher with you!"
"Kasie!" John Douglas shot to his feet, his face red, but with anger or embarrassment, she didn't know.
And with that the whole place began to cheer her onward in her quest.
Kasie ran out the door, hoping to catch up to Amory, but he was out of sight. The night was clear, and the moon shone like a beacon.
Without forethought, she marched right back inside, demanded her father's keys, and marched back out. It didn't dawn on her how quickly her father had thrown her the keys to his new jeep. Nor did she notice how his scowl had suddenly turned to a big grin. Not until she was miles up the mountain did she realize her father had already given his approval.
John had stood up, and turned Kasie to meet his gaze. "Where are you going?" He had demanded.
"To find him, of course." 
"What for?"
"To tell him exactly what I think of him."
"Good girl," John suddenly smiled into her eyes and let her go.
Tanka and Gina smiled at each other, knowingly. And Rosie, who was sitting in Corky's lap, laughed aloud, "I knew it. I knew I was right about that one. It's a boomerang. That's what it is."
John Douglas looked at Rosie and smiled. "Rosie, old girl, I think you just hit the nail on the head."


Chapter Thirteen


The cabin was surrounded in darkness when she arrived. Kasie slowed the new jeep to a crawl as she glanced about. Most of the snow had begun to melt, and it looked entirely different now. Not that it had been so long ago. There was a light mist in the air.
Kasie knocked on the door, but there was no answer. The thud of her fist made a lonesome sound in the night, like the dull thudding of her heart as she realized she had somehow missed Amory. Where had he gone?
Dear God, had she traveled half the night, and he wasn't here? She sighed heavily, cursed under her breath, stomped one foot and turned to get back into the jeep.
"You know you cuss too much? And that stomping has definitely got to stop." A voice from the edge of the forest drifted through the cool night air, as she was about to put her foot up to the jeep. She stepped down, and looked about.
It was only a shadow, but a big shadow, one she recognized easily, standing against a tree, smoking a cheroot. She took one step closer to the shadow.
"And you smoke too much."
"So we both have bad habits," he said with a curious smile.
"Y—yes,"
Then suddenly she noticed a dark shadow beside him. She moved closer and then squealed aloud. "It's the lab, isn't it?"
"That's why I was late getting in, I stopped off at Homer's and picked him up. Decided I needed a little companionship. It seems a little lonelier up here now."
"Oh," she murmured and backed away. "He's beautiful."
"I thought I'd call him Brat." 
"That's mean."
"Oh, I don't know. I'm rather fond of the word. What would you call him?"
She stammered a moment, then crunching down in a squat position, she petted the animal and smiled,
"I'd call him Blackie." 
"I like Brat better."
She shrugged, and stood up again. "He's your dog."
Amory nodded, and took him to the lean-to.
"Here's a bone for you, Brat. Now you stay put until I can get your feed and water and a rug for you in the house."
"You're not going to leave him out here in the cold, are you?"
"For a little while, yes." He glanced at her, his eyes raking her with one glance. "You know you're very sensitive to the wilderness, aren't you Kasie? In fact, you are sensitive to everything around you, except maybe me. But animals and nature especially. You like it here, don't you?"
"Sensitive? Like it here?" she repeated.
A long silence prevailed, and Kasie began to pace about, not sure whether to just leave or have it out with Amory.
"So why'd you come?" he finally asked.
When she didn't answer, he moved to go past her. "Look, it's getting late, you should be home packing."
"Should I?" she challenged.
 He was at the front door, unlocking it, but glanced over his shoulder. "Yes."
"You were getting even all the time, weren't you?" She tried halting him with her words. She stomped her foot into the ground without thinking.
He turned around and looked at her. "You've got a bad habit of doing that."
"Doing what?" she asked with impatience. 
"Stomping your foot, like a child." 
"Amory!"
"My name is Chay! Say it!" he demanded, as he came closer. He was right in front of her. Those bedroom eyes seem to sizzle. She felt herself weakening in his presence.
"Chay!" she managed in a small voice, as other emotions began to take hold of her. His eyes seemed to devour her, but his words didn't acknowledge her.
She couldn't think straight with him this close. 
"Better," he said with a grin, lifting her chin so the moonlight shone in her face. "That's much better. And yes, I guess I'm a little guilty in that regard. I deliberately planned that moment at the Inn. Right down to the nail, Kasie. You've got me dead to rights. I wanted some strange kind of revenge for the torture you've put me through. I thought it would be sweet. I thought it would wipe you right out of mind and heart. Where you have been for the past eight years."
She gasped.
"Now, did you ever ask yourself why I might have done it?"
"Because you loathe me. You wanted me to hurt—like I hurt you."
"No, I never loathed you. That would be impossible." He almost turned away, and then glanced at her again. "I wanted to knock some sense into your head. Shock you. But why, Kasie? Why does anyone want revenge?"
"Be—because I hurt you," she heard herself admit, the air rushing out of her lungs.
"Right again, sweetheart. You stole my heart eight years ago. You took all my dreams away. I was crazy in love with you, but like a jug head, I couldn't tell you. I don't know why I couldn't say the words you wanted to hear. Pride, fear of rejection, stupidity. I didn't know then what I do know now."
She looked deep into his eyes, searching. "You should have said something. You never—"
"I know." His voice grew distant as he turned away, his shoulders tensing. "You were so damn young though, and it all happened so fast. I wasn't sure you'd believe me. Back then, I barely had control. I knew I couldn't offer you what your father and mother had so easily given you. I knew you were too young too. But I couldn't stop how I felt."
"Maybe if we had talked about our feelings a little more. Even when you asked to marry me, you didn't say you loved me. Dad was a wonderful man, but he didn't know much about raising a girl. I knew very little about being a woman, and I've have to admit that was part of the reason I ran away was because I wasn't sure of myself. I didn't think I could be enough woman for you. I wasn't ready for marriage." She glanced at him sadly. "So now, your revenge is complete. I'm in love with you." She cried, a tear slipping down her cheek. "You asked me to marry you, asked my father for my hand, but you never said the words. And now—"
He turned around, hearing the hurt in her voice, seeing the truth in her eyes, and he gathered her against him. "Don't you see, Kasie? You never believed in those words until now."
Her mouth flew open, and he suddenly covered it with his own. "God, how I've wanted you, Kasie. Missed you." He muttered raggedly against her lips. A
 wild unleashed kiss sweeping away doubts, full of old hurts, new joys, and a promise.
When his lips moved against her cheek, he uttered the words she had so longed to hear. "I do love you, Kasie, I always have. And I always will." 
"I'd hoped, I wanted—to believe, but my father had done most of the arranging in my life back then. I couldn't even think for myself. When I heard him talking about wanting you in the family as his son-in- law. I thought the wedding was all his idea. I couldn't face you. But, I've done a little growing up since I've been here." She said slowly, keeping her eyes closed as he continued to kiss her nose, her eyes her cheeks, her chin, and finally her lips again.
"Yes, I guess you have at that. And a little forgiving, too." He finally whispered as he held her tightly in his arms.
"Yes—."
"And love, Kasie?"
"Love is an emotion that hurts most of the time. It's so elusive you're never sure if it's there. It's like the emotions I feel about my parents. It's there, but it's so vague, sometimes. I'll admit I'm afraid of it. Afraid to be too happy. Oddly enough, it was my mother that taught me that. I love her so, and I'm not sure she's ever noticed. I wanted her to forgive me for choosing to live with dad. It wasn't that I loved one more than the other, it was that I liked his lifestyle better. And I guess I'm as guilty as you, I never told her. Back then, she wouldn't have heard me."
"I'm sorry, sweetheart; I never really realized what a girl must go through, especially without a mother there to help her."
"She was so beautiful, so talented, and so unapproachable. I knew love existed, I saw it in other people. My father loved me, but he's a busy man. He never took time for love. My mother…well, she didn't know how to express it. And you…you couldn't say it. I'm just afraid of it. Afraid of never having it for my own."
"It doesn't have to hurt—if you give into it a little. And you've had it for a long time, sweetheart. I'm just sorry I never told you in so many words before. I thought it was the Indian in me that kept you so removed from me."
"Chayton, I never dreamed that's what you thought. You must have thought that's why I left. I think being Indian is wonderful. It's the most romantic heritage a person can have."
Chayton stared into her eyes, and a slow burning smile crept upon his face. "You know, a man doesn't seek revenge when he doesn't feel anything. I didn't want to marry you because of your father. In spite of, not because of. In fact, in the beginning I fought the urge to even ask you." He shook her in his arms and smiled into her questioning face. "I fell in love with a naive little tomboy. Crazy in love. I'll admit I was afraid to touch you back then, but only because my hormones were raging out of control and your father was breathing down my neck. I knew you weren't ready for marriage either. But I knew I couldn't go on…without you much longer and your dad…"
"But I was such a mess back then, such a tomboy, how could you possibly love me like that? Mother said men don't love tomboys, they feel sorry for them."
"You were beauty and innocence rolled into one. I loved your spirit for life, your love of nature, everything about you, Kasie. Not just the way you look on the outside, which is by the way beautiful, but the way you look on the inside. I wasn't out to buy a package. I wanted you, the girl I fell in love with. The wild little girl who loved to be outside with nature and me."
"And now—."
 "I still can't keep my hands off you. We wouldn't even be having this conversation now, if Tanka and Gina hadn't showed up. We'd be married by now."
It was all she needed for courage. A slow invading smile formed on her lips as his expression softened on her, and he began to pull her slowly into his waiting arms. Deliberately, her arms floated up and around his neck, and she pulled his head down to meet hers. "Oh, Chay," she barely whispered, just before their lips met in a steamy kiss that threatened to melt the rest of the snow. This was where she belonged.
He pulled away enough to look into her eyes, his expression serious, contemplating. "But Kasie, can you handle living here in this wilderness, alone for days at a time? I don't have many luxuries here, like you are used to. My business is just now starting to show a real profit. I might be gone half the time. You'd be alone."  
"Handle it? I love it here, just the way it is." She looked around her, then at him. "In the city you have to worry about burglary, rape, murder, car theft. The worst thing that can happen here is an ornery old bear."
"You left out kidnapping." He winked. "Kasie, I want no more doubts in your mind about how I feel. I tried to fight your acid little mouth, and your tirades. I tried to turn my back on my feelings when I brought you up here. But the problem was, my feelings grew with each new day. I found more and more things to love about you. Your compassion for Ole Blue, curled around my heart and squeezed hard. I knew we shared the same feelings. I loved you even more than before. And this kidnapping really was basically your father's idea. I wanted no part of it, but when he said Springer might have hurt you, I knew I couldn't not come get you. Besides, as much as I care about your father, I don't want him having the upper hand on me. I wouldn't pull such a stunt for anyone else. And there are many reasons for caring for your father. Deep reasons, of what the man has done for me and my brother. I owe him. I always will."
"I know…and in a way, I love you all the more for it. I do love you, Chayton. How I love you." She kissed the big powerful hands that held her. "I don't understand why it's so easy to say now, but it's true. I'm not afraid anymore."
It was all the reassurance he needed as a slow invading smile warmed her heart.
 "Thanks for keeping Ole Blue's story quiet." She whispered as his lips trailed down her neck in a tempting manner, and she lifted the delicate necklace for him to see. In the center of the glass was Ole Blue's hair. "It's the sweetest gift I've ever received."
"Some things are private, between two people. The way you fell in love with Ole Blue made me want you all the more. Lord, I wanted you when I came back that day and found you chopping wood, too. It sounds a little crazy but you reminded me of my mother. She was a beautifully stubborn woman, too. Dad and her fought every day. But even I knew it was a good kind of fighting." His voice grew throaty as his eyes devoured her. Then slowly, his hands began to thread through the long silky strands of her hair in a caressing manner, while his lips tantalized.
"I was scared to come up here. And scared not to."
 "Going to get you was a huge gamble I took. There was no need to worry though, sweetheart. I realized driving back that I couldn't leave you down there. I wanted to give you some thinking time. I'd have been back. Why were you scared, sweetheart?"
"I thought this was the way you might have planned the revenge, to hurt me. To make me want you and throw it in my face. I wouldn't have blamed you. It was a gamble I had to take. It was my last chance to erase all the bad between us."
He looked deep into her eyes, and shook her gently, "There is no bad between us. All love is different. Just because we know what we want now, doesn't mean the fighting will end. It won't. I hate to tell you this, but I've enjoyed every skirmish, and it's deepened my respect for you, too. But at least now I'll look forward to it. Don't ever be afraid of me, sweetheart. I'd never hurt you. Stand your ground with me. Be my equal, or my better. I love you, but I don't want to control you Kasie. I want to set you free from that."
"I know," she sighed, her lips finding his once more. "As long as you love me, I'll never hurt again."
"Is a lifetime long enough?" He pulled away once more after a long, drugging kiss. "I'll kill that Springer if he ever touches you again. I knew he had, you didn't have to tell me. And I wanted to go down there like a caveman and knock his block off. That's why I was so determined to keep you here. I'd never let you go back to him. I would have given you until morning to come to me, maybe. Then I would have stormed back down there and carried you off again."
"How were you going to stop me?"
"Easy, kidnapping really isn't that hard, you know. I think I've got the knack of it now. Oh God, there's always been too many clothes between us," he grumbled lowly after another earth-shattering kiss. 
"Funny," she purred in his arms. "I never noticed. When I'm in your arms, I feel there's nothing between us."
Suddenly, in one lithe movement he lifted her up, and carried her through the open doorway of the cabin. His boot heel kicked the door shut behind them. "I think I better tell you right now, I want lots of babies. A whole houseful. I want to fill this place with love and family. I want what my parents had, what we can have, Kasie."
"Me, too," she said, with a full-blown smile as her lips found his once more. "I only wish I could have met them."
"They would have loved you. And kicked me for being so insensitive. I guess we'll have to settle on building our own little brood."
 "Wanna start now," she murmured for his ears only.
"Oh, Kasie," he shuddered with the unspoken needs of a man too long without his woman.
Gently he laid her against the softness of his bed, and looked down into her sea-green eyes, "You better find a preacher fast, sweetheart. Because I've had about all I can stand of being a gentleman around you. Besides, this is a marrying bed."
Her eyes roamed the room. "Before Tanka and Gina showed up. Why did you stop me? Why did you refuse to take me?"
He made a funny sound in his throat and a face. "It was the first signal I had that my plan for revenge wouldn't work. I loved you too much to compromise you like that. Hell, I wasn't about to settle for just your body. I wanted you!"
"Chayton," she opened her arms to him again, and then glanced about the cabin. Strange, but it was lit with tiny candles, and the bed had been turned back. There was a bottle of wine on the table and a rose, too. "Expecting someone?"
"Only you. Tanka and I decorated a little. He already knew my plans."
"Pretty sure of yourself, weren't you?" She tested. 
"'Bout time, wouldn't you say? Now," he murmured, as he chucked his jacket, and began peeling hers away. "I like talking, but I'm a man of action. I won't compromise you completely, I'll save the best for our honeymoon, but a few kisses aren't going to be enough, that much I can tell you right now. I won't wait another eight years to have you."
He paused looking at her. "On second thought, I would. I love you that much…"
She giggled with delight. "Don't worry, Dad's on his way, and I let him know he'd better bring a preacher." she sighed happily, pulling him into her waiting arms, knowing at long last she was home, and that their marriage was taking place right now, in her heart—for he had kidnapped her heart so very long ago, and she had finally captured the heart of the wild!

The End


About the Author




Rita Hestand comes from deep in the heart of Texas. She a widow, with two grown daughters, seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She has helped to raise her grandchildren too.
Rita is a people watcher, that's how she comes up with those magnificent characters in her books. Not that she copies any one certain person, but by watching people she can develop a character trait or a mannerism.
Rita loves to bowl and once thought she might try it professionally, but never perfected it. She also likes to sing and loves acting. But one day her eyes were opened to the world of writing and the rest is history.
See all her books in this series:
Heart of the Wild
Sweeter Than Wine
Mail Order Nanny (coming soon)

See others:
Jodi's Journey
Nick's Baby
Strictly Business
Wandering Heart
Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Courting Abby
Hannah's Man
Along Came Love
Avalanche of the Heart (coming soon)
Suspicions of the Heart
Pretend Mom
Runaway Bride
Just One Kiss
Beyond the Dream Catcher
Ask No Tomorrows
Always Remember
Love Rules
Better Off Without Her
And her newest contemporary series: The McKay's, Raining in My Heart
Ring of Fire (coming soon)




And her Willy collection
Find all her work at Amazon.com, Smashwords.com, Barnesandnoble.com