Page 18 of Westbound Awakening

"Ah," Patty giggled.

The women made their way back to the campfire, arms linked. Patty rolled her eyes at the men's attempts at stirring the potatoes. "I hope this meal agrees with Ryan. Last night he was making all kinds of music in his sleep."

Mae chuckled and clasped her hand over her mouth. She leaned into Patty's ear. "John snorts and mumbles. Snort, snort, mumble, mumble, snort." The women broke into peals of laughter, not stopping until both were wiping tears from their eyes.

When they noticed the men's gaping mouths and raised eyebrows, they began laughing again, leaning against each other until barely able to stand.

10

Whatever the women found humorous made them laugh harder when they looked toward where he and Ryan sat. The peals of laughter continued while he watched Patricia and Mae stagger toward the campfire only to collapse onto the collapsed tree trunk.

Ryan shook his head. "Women! They cry one minute and laugh the next. Such emotional beautiful creatures are they not?"

With a smile, John nodded in agreement. "My sisters always kept me guessing. I have two, who seemed to hate and love each other from one moment to the next on a daily basis. My father always told me to just agree with them when they were in a state and leave from around them as quickly as possible."

"You're father is a wise man," Ryan replied eyeing the women who'd quieted and attempted to hide their smiles behind their hands. "Care to share what you find so funny?" Ryan asked, only to have the women to begin laughing anew. "Yes, best to leave them be."

John watched Mae wipe tears away as she attempted once more to stop giggling. He'd never heard her laughter. It was a sweet, musical tone. And he wasn't aware she had such deep dimples in her cheeks. If he thought her beautiful before, now flushed and eyes sparkling, she was breathtaking. The stubborn woman caught him looking at her and pressed her lips together, instantly sobering. Patricia looked to him as well, and she continued to smile. "I'm sorry, we can't share it's something only women would find funny." Mae nodded in agreement, although she no longer smiled.

Ryan cleared his throat and motioned to John with his head. "Go on now. Spend some time with your wife, talk to her. Show her some affection." The man was intent on giving him advice on how to make amends with Mae. He'd informed him he was not demonstrative enough and did not show Mae sufficiently how he felt about her. John almost told Ron the truth just to put a stop to the marriage advice. Not deterred, the clergyman insisted on using his experience of ten years of marriage to help.

John stood and went to Mae. "How about we go for a short walk dear?" He asked, half expecting her refusal. Instead she looked to Patricia as if for permission or advice.

Ryan's wife pursed her lips and gave Mae a soft nudge. "Go on Mae. Listen to what your husband has to say."

Mae stood and attempted to move ahead. John took her hand in his and held her back to walk beside him. Her eyes were full of questions when they lifted to his. It wasn't surprising to him when she remained quiet. She was still angry.

When they moved out of earshot, he stopped and turned to her. "I'm going to kiss you Mae."

"What?" She looked over to where the Jacobs sat and back to him. "Why?"

"Ryan is worried I'm neglecting my husbandly duties." Without preamble, not giving her an opportunity to protest, he leaned to her and pressed his lips against her. Her lips were soft against his. When he pulled back, she watched him with narrowed eyes. His heart quickened when her eyes flitted to his lips.

"I'm sorry Mae," he maintained eye contact with her. "I should have told you earlier about my situation. Explained it so there were no misunderstandings between us later. I was wrong not to be fully honest with you. Let's just get through these two weeks. We should be in Texas by then. By month's end, we will arrive where your father lives. Afterwards, we'll continue our separate ways."

"Stop apologizing John. We don't have to speak of it any longer," Mae told him flatly. "It doesn't matter. You didn't have to share anything with me. I have no right to be angry with you. Your private life is your own. And you are correct; after this week, we may never cross paths again, so let's forget about it."

The words should have made him feel better, but instead hollowness lodged in his chest and he couldn't think of an appropriate reply. She linked her hand through his arm. "Let's go back and eat. I'm tired and want to go to sleep early."

He didn't budge. "I'm glad you've become friends with Patricia Jacobs. Perhaps you two can remain friends in Texas."

Mae nodded. "Perhaps. They are not going to be living too far from my father's ranch. I haven't decided how much time I will remain there. I don't plan to stay long enough to make any friends. But I do feel a kinship with Patty and hope we will continue our friendship no matter if I return to Virginia."

He could only nod, not sure he could speak. That her words affected him so much surprised him. In a few days, they'd part ways and it should be a welcome relief. Instead he dreaded the day they went in separate directions. Her face was still flushed from laughing, a stunning sight, and he pulled her into his arms half expecting her to resist. With a soft sigh, she laid her cheek against his chest and slumped against him. It felt right, having her there and for a few moments they remained silent, the only sound the subtle breeze rustling the leaves overhead.

"If you need anything Mae, don't hesitate to send someone into town to find me. I will remain there for a few days until I take care of some business." His voice sounded husky in his ears, emotion filled.

She pulled back and arched a brow, the curve of her lips an enticing sight. "I won't John. You have to find your family and start your new life. My father is ill, and I don't foresee any problems. Just in case, if for whatever reason there is any kind of trouble, I will buy the stagecoach fare and return to Virginia."

They walked back to where the Jacobs sat, both sets of eyes locked to their hands which they held. Then Patricia gave them a wide smile and turned to Ryan who nodded approvingly at John. If they only knew. What he and Mae had just done was say good-bye.

"Is your father expecting you?" John asked Mae as they lay in the dark wagon the following night. "Is there someone there to greet you besides him? Ensure your safety?"

Mae sighed. "Yes, John. If I didn't know any better, I'd think you're worried about me with all the questions you're asking." She chuckled softly. "Miss Lady wrote them to tell them of my arrival. And yes, there is someone, a woman named Elma, who is taking care of him, his caretaker. Now let's sleep. Tomorrow will be a long day." Seeming more at ease now with his presence alongside her at night, she placed her hand on his shoulder. "Good night John."

He turned toward Mae and warm breath caressed his face. "I do worry about you. I care Mae."

The need to taste her became unbearable. John gave in, did not have the strength to resist the temptation. When he kissed her this time, it was impossible to stop. Yet reason left and all he knew was if he didn't hold her one last time to touch her and feel her softness against him, rest would not come on this night.