A small part of her worried that her husband might kill her, maybe leave her in the woods to never be seen again. It wasn’t like anyone would claim her but her best friend Ruth. The thought made her sad. No family. No one to love her like a Ma and Pa were supposed to. With this man, she may never experience the love of a spouse either.
“Have you hurt anyone?” Words tumbled out of her lips. She didn’t mean to speak them out loud.
Obadiah stopped, turned around, and stared in her eyes. A warrior. The muscles in his face tightened. Brown eyes, turning a darkened shade of black mixed with a smoky grey. His shirt was taut against his chest. She cast her attention down not meaning to bring up a sore subject for him. “Yes. I’ve done what was needed to protect my family.”
“You’re safe with me. I’ve never hurt a woman and won’t ever. I know it is hard to trust someone you don’t know.”
No kidding. She wanted to learn to trust him but was afraid it wouldn’t happen. “I didn’t mean to upset you”
“You didn’t. People like her who act as she and her husband do bother me. I’m part white, too.”
Esther blinked. She wouldn’t have guessed. He had the coloring and facial features of an Indian. Turning back, he started back on the trail again. She figured it best to keep quiet for a while and to think about what he told her. Good information for her to know. She relaxed some as they walked, adjusting the sack on her shoulder. Flowers bright in color, red, yellow bloomed off to her left. The mountain came into view as they came into a small clearing. Breathtaking views.
Chapter Three
Obadiah dropped his bag to the ground and stretched. They’d been walking off and on for four hours. The good thing about his wife was she didn’t complain and kept up with him and the men, and even tried helping to clear the way. The other two men began setting up camp a little north of them. It suited him fine that they gave them space. It gave him a chance to watch them, learn their ways and habits. He remembered the man who killed his Ma carried a small gun on his left hip and a knife on the other side.
Before he attacked, he’d have to make sure both of those items weren’t attached. Obadiah never carried a gun. He preferred his fist or a knife. It was easier to do it and get out fast. He did bring a pistol in case they ran into a bear or mountain lion. Esther unrolled the tent, helping him to get it tied down and set up before sunset. He pulled the rope tight against the wooden pegs. He didn’t want to say anything but he noticed her callused hands and wanted to know how she had gotten them.
He didn’t doubt her work ethic. She wasn’t a soft woman who wore gloves or shirked a job.
Did she grow up working hard on a farm? The questions began to swirl. Deep inside, he knew she’d had a hard life but he couldn’t explain how he knew. She cared for herself with little hesitation and some spitfire, as if she had had to fight for many things. Had someone hurt her?
“I’ll get this side.” Her voice cut through his thoughts. He shook his head and turned his attention to her.
“No, woman. I’ll handle getting the rope tight enough.”
Esther straightened, placing her hands on her hips. A smoky, pointed stare was aimed at him. He had a feeling he’d be seeing that stare often. If anything, he could help her and let her not have to worry for a while. To handle the cooking and have a rest from fear. Dirt smudged her face from the walking and dust covered her dress. He hated that she’d ruin this dress, and as he hadn’t disclosed their plans when she arrived, this was his fault. Once they got paid, he’d go to the mercantile and have a new dress ordered.
“Husband,” the one word, minced, cool and hard pointed at him. His lips curled into a smile, trying hard not to laugh. Her eyes narrowed to small slits, lips pursed together in a thin line. “I can do the same work as a man.”
Obadiah chuckled, letting out a low whistle to distract the men. They’d turned in their direction to watch the interaction with interest. He didn’t need the men finding out that they’d not been married very long. On the application, he had had to write that they’d been married for two years. They wanted someone in a solid relationship. There wasn’t any way he’d let James the man who killed his Ma, get away from him.
“I know. Let me.”
He’d not finished speaking the last word before she bent and tugged on the rope and loop he’d made. A loud grunt came from her. He stood to his full height, crossing his arms, watching as she struggled. The stubborn streak he had suspected ran deep was out in full force. She wouldn’t ask him for help even though he knew deep down she was having trouble. He laughed as a curse came from her lips something he’d not heard from a woman before.
With a loud grunt, she placed the loop over the peg he’d driven into the ground earlier. She did a little dance and he couldn’t take his eyes off her. The smile on her face lit up every feature. She turned in his direction. He swore his breath caught as
