“I don’t know what to say. I’m tired of living in fear.” She hangs her head and thinks once more about leaving him behind.
Dalton sits beside Cassie and reaches for her hand. “You have paid long enough, Cassie. Together we will face this threat, and you will be free. Free to live and be happy.”
“He is right, your family wants you to be happy. Cassie. I came to warn you and work with you on blocking. Trains are tight and full of people. That much emotion beating at you for a long period of time may be taxing for you. I would make sure to practice what I show you.”
Dalton leaves them to their exercises and lunch, while he collects the rest of her bags to pack and breathes a sigh of relief. Thankful for the distraction, he gathers her documents and pulls, the one that he slipped inside, and tucks it in his inside coat pocket with a smile. All that is left is to file one with the courts, and Harry Wells has promised to take care of that for him.
This isn't what he had planned. He wanted to sweep Cassie off her feet with a beautiful proposal and wedding, but he refuses to leave her behind to die! As they work on her skills, he packs for Cassie. Today, they leave, and hopefully begin their life together.
Chapter 20
“Our train tickets are waiting for us downstairs.” Taking the hint from Dalton, Monsieur Constant rises and hugs his new friend.
“I shall look forward to a letter from you my dear. I would like to know how you are doing. Take care of yourself.”
Cassie hugs him and thanks him again for all of his help. “I promise to write as soon as I am settled. Thank you for everything.” Watching him say goodbye to Dalton she wonders how she let them all bully her into this.
Monsieur Constant turns to her with a twinkle and says, “Because you know we only want what’s best for you, that’s not bullying, that’s loving.” She laughs out loud and feels as though she has found more than friends here in San Francisco, they feel like family.
She runs to him and hugs him again and kisses his cheek goodbye.
“Be safe.” He whispers and takes his leave.
Cassie stares at the door for a few moments before she feels his arms around her.
“Are you ready? The bags have all been taken, all that is left is for us to sign in and board.”
“I’m ready, Dalton.” She will go with him for now, but that is all she will promise him.
“The Palace Hotel has thought of everything.” Cassie murmurs as they wait in line. For the guests' convenience, they have a Railroad Ticket office in the lobby.
“Our tickets are being held for us. Mr. Wells assured me that we would have nothing to worry about.” Dalton steps up to the window and gives his name. An envelope is passed to Dalton with a key, and the clerk explains.
“Your train departs at four o’clock. Boarding for your particular train will be at three. Shall I have a carriage called for you?”
Dalton smiles. “Yes, please do.” He turns and offers Cassie his arm and smiles down at her. Excitement coursed through his veins. Home. She has no idea they will be traveling in such lush accommodation's, and he hopes when she looks back at this, she will think of it as a honeymoon to remember. He will tell her about the marriage license once they are in route.
After Dalton explained everything, Harry promised to file it for him and mail a copy to his ranch. Monsieur Constant warned Dalton that she would try to run at the first stop, he will just make sure she's too busy to run.
He isn't concerned that she doesn't love him, he can feel it every time she looks at him. Her fear is for his safety. It is time for someone to take care of her for a change. His hand covers hers, and she can feel his excitement.
“You are excited to be going home?” she asks, smiling up at him.
“I am. I miss my ranch and my family. I can't wait for you to see it. Wyoming is beautiful, Cassie.” His feelings for his home are evident and contagious. After they settle into the carriage, he looks down at her and smiles.
“How do you feel about horses?” There's so much to learn about each other, and this trip should take two weeks if all goes as planned.
“I love them. I've been riding since I was a little girl. My Daddy didn't believe that women were inferior or weaker than men. He made sure I was well educated, and I was taught how to run the ranch. Does that shock you?” she inquires.
“Not at all. I think it adds to your appeal. Not only are you beautiful, but you’re smart too. The mother of my children will need to be tough to handle life out west. I’d like at least five.”
Cassie looks at him in shock. “Dalton!” she starts to argue with him, but the carriage stops, and they have to exit.
He laughs and jumps down. She reaches for him, and his hands catch her around the waist, and he lowers her to the ground. “Ahhh, Cassie life with you is sure to be full of excitement and fun. Are you brave enough to give it a shot?” He presses a kiss to her shocked mouth and tips the driver.
‘Five children! Am I brave enough?’ She wonders as he collects her carpet bag and turning back to her, he finds her staring at him with a small smile. He holds out his hand, and she
