Cassie

"So did I," he interrupted. "We were captives. We had no control over what happened. You've got to put it behind you and get on with your life. Don't let it come between us. We used to be so close. It can be that way again. I'll make it different this time. I was young and finally free. I thought I wanted to stay that way. It wasn't that I didn't want to be associated with you, I just wasn't mature enough to take on the responsibility."

"You don't understand," she said, her voice breaking with emotion. "It's the women that are the worst. They say I should have taken my own life rather than allow an Indian to..." her voice dissolved into a sob. "Don't you see? I'd only drag you down if I stayed with you."

"That's nonsense," he answered sternly. "I want you to get your things and meet me at the mission. Trust me. There is nothing so terrible that a few words from the Padre can't mend. I have to take care of some... business and then I'll meet you there."

They moved off and their voices faded into the noise of the waking town.

Cassie stared at the ground numbly. If he had come out here to get the girl, why had he sent the dress and the flower? Was he actually considering having two wives? She caught her breath. Was he a Mormon? What did she know about him, after all? Her vision blurred with tears. How many women had he promised to marry?

Fury displaced her stupor. She ripped the flower from her hair and slung it in the dust. Even if he was a Mormon, how could he make plans with this Darcie when he had proposed to her only an hour ago? Her face burned. Or was it a proposal? Maybe he was hoping she would say no. Was he giving her a way to back out gracefully?

She glared at the flower. If that was the way he wanted it that was the way he would get it. She picked the flower up and poked it over her left ear. Her knees were weak, but her legs finally obeyed as she turned back toward the hotel.

Davis was in the lobby when she arrived. His admiring gaze sent a smile to his lips.

"My, don't you look lovely. I don't believe I have ever seen you in a dress before." He shook his head. "And here I am, ready to leave."

"You're going back to your ranch?" Her voice sounded strange.

He nodded, looking puzzled. "Fritz and Royce left this morning. They signed on with that ranch in Wyoming. Pete said he decided to accept that offer in Texas. He's somewhere in town making arrangements. Then he'll be taking off." He reached his arms out to her. "This might be the last time we see each other."