He shrugged. Pulling on his half-dry socks and tugging into his boots, he picked up his shirt and left the area.
That night they slept under the stars - Bordeaux a respectable distance from her, but close enough to assist if anything went wrong in the night. She pulled the buffalo robe over her shoulders and stared at his form in the moonlight. He was full of surprises. Again, it struck her that she knew little about him. Only that he had repeatedly saved her life - at risk of his own, no less. What were his plans for the future? If they married in Ashley, where would they live? Would he welcome the twins? There were so many questions. They had to talk about everything. Until now, there hadn't been much time. Maybe it was brash and immature, even careless, but she intended to accept his proposal - even knowing as little as she did about him. There simply wasn't enough time to get to know him better. If they separated at Ashley, she might not ever see him again. In any case, Mom had known Dad since they were kids, but his desertion caught her by surprise.
Exhaustion invaded her body and mind as well. In spite of the situation, sleep claimed her eventually.
It was bright daylight when she woke. She glanced at the spot where Bordeaux had slept, but he was gone. She threw back the robe and sat up stiffly. Every muscle in her body hurt. Oh, for a soft bed and nice warm bath - with soap. She folded the buffalo robe and placed it on the sand. Grabbing the canteens, she headed for the spring. They would probably be leaving very soon and anything she could do to hurry the process meant they would get to Ashley sooner.
She filled the canteens and started back to camp, pausing when Bordeaux emerged from the bushes below. She started to call out to him, but a pretty young Indian girl emerged from those same bushes. The girl flirted with him under long dark lashes. She said something to him softly, leaning toward him seductively. Bordeaux smiled and said something in return.
Cassie waited silently, knowing they were unaware of her presence. If only she could understand their words. Where had they been? More important, what had they been doing? As she watched, Bordeaux glanced up and met her gaze. Once again she was struck by the unusual blue of his eyes. No wonder the girl invited his attention. He was an exceptionally handsome man.
She slid down the rock and joined them, casting a sour look at Bordeaux as she brushed by him.