Mary Travis rolled over onto her back and stared up at the sky. It was a clear night and stars dotted the blackness. She let out a quiet sigh and rubbed a hand across her eyes. They felt gritty and sore from lack of sleep but her turbulent thoughts would not allow her to rest.
She glanced at the peacefully sleeping boy laying next to her. She smiled ruefully and pulled the blanket over his shoulders. Billy, her son, never had trouble sleeping. Whether it be on the ground or in the back of a wagon he slept easily, no longer burdened by nightmares about her late husband, Steven.
It wasn't Steven that was keeping her awake tonight, but thoughts of another man. A man that had become very important to both her and Billy. A man that protected Four Corners and led his group of six friends with courage and confidence. A man that made her feel angry and defensive. A man whose gravelly voice, intense eyes, and rare smiles made her feel alive and very much a woman. A man named Chris Larabee.
Mary sat up and looked around the campfire. The group of men that had helped escort the wagon train to their new land were now stretched out wearily on the ground. After leaving the settlers early that morning, they had ridden all day and were now camped for the night. They hoped to reach Four Corners within the next few days. She knew they were riding slower because she and Billy were with them. Mary was anxious to get home too.
When she had decided to join the wagon train with Gerard, she thought it would be fun and an adventure for Billy. She never expected that Dickey O'Shay would try to run them off their rightful land or hurt people. Thanks to Chris and the others O'Shay was no longer a problem and the settlers were safe.
She hoped Gerard and his daughter Katie would make a good life for themselves and that Gerard would eventually find another woman to marry. She had been flattered by his marriage proposal and even considered it for a short time. Gerard would have been a good husband and a wonderful father for Billy. But if Mary were honest she knew that she was looking for something more. Chris had forced her to face the reality that she did not love Gerard.
Chris... Her thoughts returned to him and she wondered where he had gone. He was not sleeping around the fire. Maybe he was on patrol and she felt safer knowing he was looking out for all of them.
After what seemed an eternity, Mary knew she could no longer lay there pretending to sleep. She needed some space to herself. She reached into her saddlebag and drew out a hairbrush. Its pale handle glowed in the firelight. She rose quietly from the blanket, trying not to disturb Billy. Walking quickly away from the camp, she made her way to the small stream that bordered the camp. The water flowed gently on its path. Its sound made her feel more relaxed and she sat on the grassy bank beside a tree, her legs tucked under her.
She undid her hair clip and shook her head to free the long blonde strands. Slowly, she pulled the brush through her hair, enjoying the feel of the bristles on her scalp. Even as a little girl, brushing her hair had been soothing. The rhythmic pull calmed her and she started to feel drowsy. Closing her eyes, Mary leaned back against the tree. As sleep finally claimed her, the brush dropped to the grass.......
Even in her dreams, Mary's thoughts continued to plague her. She seemed to be reliving her time on the wagon train. The faces of Billy, Gerard, and Chris swam across her subconscious as she struggled to make sense of her feelings and her future.
She knew she cared about Chris but she did not know his feelings. He had seemed uneasy about her and Gerard even though he did not actually say anything. Had she seen something in his averted eyes that he was not able to tell her with words? Was his casualness a cover for something deeper, something he could not admit even to himself? Or was she imagining it all?
Her dreams taunted her with the idea that he might leave before she had a chance to find answers. She saw him riding away from her, not looking back, not coming back. With an aching heart, Mary stood alone, watching him leave, wishing.....
Slow tears trickled out of Mary's eyes and she murmured sleepily, "I wish..."
"What do you wish, Mary?"
The gravelly voice from her dream jerked Mary awake. She looked into the blue/green eyes of Chris. He was kneeling on the ground in front of her, regarding her with a steady gaze.
"What do you wish, Mary?" Chris repeated softly again and reached out to gently touch her cheek. The callused pad of his thumb caught a tear as it slid slowly down.
Mary continued to stare silently at him, finally realizing that she had spoken out loud.
"I-I-wish..", Mary's words trailed off slowly and she dropped her eyes.
Chris lifted her chin and said, "Mary, look at me."
Mary reluctantly looked back at him. He smiled slowly and reached for one of her hands. Mary shivered when she felt his warm hand surround hers.
"Mary, you know you can tell me anything. Are you all right?" Chris asked and his thumb began to move in tender circles over her knuckles.
"Chris-," her voice was very soft and Chris leaned in closer to hear her. "Yes, I'm all right - I guess I was dreaming about the wagon train." When she finished speaking her voice was barely a whisper.
"Do you have regrets? Is that what you were wishing about?" Chris was still leaning close to her but she could see an aloofness come into his eyes.
Wanting to erase that distant look she quickly shook her head. "No, I do not have any regrets about Gerard. You were right, Chris. You should love the person you are going to marry - more than a little bit."
Chris recognized the words he had asked her on the wagon train and grinned. Still holding her hand, he reached with the other and ran his fingers through her golden hair. "You have beautiful hair, Mary," he murmured, "I like it free and loose like this." He continued to trail his hand along the silken tresses, rolling the ends between his fingers.
His nearness caused Mary's heart to begin thumping heavier and she became mesmerized by the light in Chris' eyes.
"Tell me what you wish," Chris' quiet demand was made in a voice both soft and rough.
Mary felt his breath feather across her face and she licked lips that were suddenly dry. Chris' intense gaze dropped to her mouth and Mary's breath caught on a small gasp.
Having him so close robbed Mary of all her defenses. His gentle hands and voice were her undoing.
With as much courage as she could muster, she said in a rush, "I wish that you would kiss me." She held her breath wondering what Chris' reaction would be. Scared that he might reject her, scared that he wouldn't.
Chris' hand tightened in her hair and he closed his eyes for a brief moment. Groaning deep in this throat, he cupped her face in both his hands and slowly closed the short distance between them.
Just as his lips touched hers, Mary closed her eyes and breathed his name.
It began as a soft, gentle kiss, neither person wanting to rush this special moment. Chris gradually increased the pressure and tilted his head to better fit his mouth to hers. Mary responded by clutching his waist and letting out a little whimper. She felt like she was drowning and needed to hold Chris for support. Nothing in her dreams had prepared her for the feel of his warm lips exploring hers.
Chris slowly broke the kiss, his bottom lip lingering before finally drawing away. His breathing was fast and she could see him swallow. Mary's heart was pounding and she was unable to say anything.
They stayed close, enjoying the quiet time in each other's company. Chris finally raised his head and looked deeply into her eyes. "I think we should go back."
Mary nodded and stood up. Chris held one of her hands as they walked slowly toward the firelight.
Hesitantly, Mary broke the silence by saying, "Thank-you for making my wish come true." She looked at him shyly.
Squeezing her hand and smiling, he replied simply, "You're welcome."
The End
