“Okay. Okay. I get it.”
Her admission came before he’d said everything he had to say. “Wait. I’m not finished, Journey. What this knowledge will not affect is that I can’t possibly adore you more than I already do. It also doesn’t change the fact that our courtship, in my estimation…” He gave her a teasing grin. “Has been an unmitigated success.”
She cast her gaze down, seeming to be a bit embarrassed. “You knew I got a little vexed?”
“Yes.” He put a finger under her chin to lift her face high enough for him to look into her eyes. “Not a moment of our time together has been wasted. I have greedily noted every little thing about you. I have memorized your beautiful face.” Reno kissed her lips gently. “The image of your heavenly body is enshrined in my heart forever. And I’ve mentally catalogued every facet of your personality. Every like. Every dislike. Every mood. Every hope. Every dream. And every desire.”
By the time his eloquent speech was finished, all of Journey’s doubts were completely banished. “During our time together, I have learned to trust my judgement. You are everything I ever dreamed of – and more.”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
When they returned to the ranch, any thought of the pregnancy test flew from their minds. There were two more cars in the driveway than when they left. “Well, our solitude is over, Reno. Lou and Aunt Myra are both here.”
They’d just entered through the garden gate when Lou’s voice met their ears. “They’re here, Myra! You can tell the police they’re fine.”
Journey frowned at her friend. “The police?”
Lou shrugged both shoulders as she gave them both a hug. “Myra was worried. She called the Fredericksburg police to make sure those men who attacked you were still behind bars.”
“Are they?” Journey asked as she stepped ahead of them to open the kitchen door.
“Yes. They’re in county lock-up. Oh, and the detective said he sent you a form to fill out via email.”
“Okay, I’ll look for it.” Journey made a mental note.
“So, where have you been?” Lou asked as she went to stand by the dining table where her laptop lay with its lid raised and the charge light blinking.
Reno held up the wicker basket. “We went on a picnic. What did you find out?”
She held his gaze for a couple of moments. “Quite a bit.”
Reno waited for her to elaborate, but she didn’t. About that time, Myra could be heard entering the room with the dogs at her heels.
Journey watched as she came fully into the kitchen, her eyes firmly glued on Reno. “For all that’s holy…” she mumbled, moving closer. “I wanted to believe my great niece, even if I couldn’t really imagine what she was telling me could possibly be true.” Her eyes moved from his cowboy boots to the top of his head. “It’s really you, isn’t it?”
Reno didn’t flinch at the close examination. “Yes, ma’am. It’s me. Reno Black. Quartermaster Sergeant, Cumberland Guard, Eastern Unit of the 9th Cavalry from the state of Tennessee. Half Cherokee and an adequate ranch hand. Born May 3rd, 1843. Vanished April 19th, 1869.”
The way he identified himself sent chills all over Journey. “It’s him, Aunt Myra. Our Reno.”
The older woman surveyed him with a solemn expression until her countenance softened into a smile of welcome and she wrapped her arms around him. “If you’re an actor, you’re a damn good one. And a helluva looker too.”
Journey shook her head. “Aunt Myra, you’re incorrigible.”
She waved her hand. “No, I’m convinced. What he told me about the Bixby letter sealed the deal. Myles said there was no way anyone living could’ve known those details. That secret has been passed down and protected from generation to generation.” She patted Reno on the shoulder. “I told him the truth about you. Don’t worry, he won’t tell a soul. He would’ve come with me to see you for himself, if he’d been able. He did send a list of questions for me to ask you. He said he wants the answers pronto, he’s afraid he’ll die before he gets them.”
“I’ll answer anything he wants to know. Gladly.” Reno took the picnic basket to the counter and began to unpack the leftovers.
Myra noticed what he was doing and elbowed Journey. “You didn’t tell me he was housebroken.”
At her odd comment, Lou and Journey both giggled. Reno gave all three women a narrowed, suspicious gaze. “I’m not certain a man should be housebroken.”
“No, it’s a good thing. As long as you’re good in bed.” Myra picked up one of the bottles of wine and poured herself a glass. “Join me, Lou?”
“Yes ma’am.” A stunned Lou came forward to accept a drink.
Journey hid her eyes and shook her head. Reno didn’t make a comment either. However, he couldn’t hide his amused smile.
“Mr. Weiss was housebroken.” Myra smiled as she filled a glass to hand it to the lady scientist. “He wasn’t shabby in other departments either.”
As the other three stood waiting for the awkwardness to pass, Myra snapped her fingers. “Almost forgot.” She went over to rummage in her oversize bag. After peering into the unfathomable depths, she pulled out a yellow envelope. “Myles sent this to the two of you, something he thinks you’ll want to see.”
“What is it?” Journey asked, coming forward to accept whatever Myra held in her hand.
“I’m not sure. He said that he apologized if sending you this was in poor taste, but he hoped it might help.
