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This time he didn’t leave solely to protect himself from the noose. He left to protect Sybil from the Duggan gang.
Chapter Seven
Sybil did her best to hide her pleasure throughout the meal. If she gave it free rein she would smile from ear to ear and doubtless bring probing questions from her friends.
She stilled her impatience as they lingered over the meal and then did dishes at what seemed a leisurely pace.
All the while, her heart danced. Brand had made a swing for her. A sweet gesture that healed a deep fracture in her heart. As he’d said, she had been robbing herself of sweet memories because of the sadness when they came to an end. Every time she sat on the swing she would remember the joy of her friendship with Suzette.
And something more—a growing friendship with Brand.
What about your vow to never get close to someone again?
I haven’t forgotten.
Seems you might be getting a little too fond of a certain cowboy. Have you forgotten Colin?
Of course not. I don’t plan to be hurt again.
But she couldn’t stop the smile that wrapped around her heart.
“I’ll take a plate of food to Brand if you like,” she told Linette, keeping her voice flat, as if it didn’t matter if someone else took it.
“I do wish that man would either join us or go to the cookhouse,” Linette said. “It bothers me to think of him spending every meal by himself.”
Mercy snorted. “He’s had company every evening since he got here. Sybil sees to that.”
Sybil couldn’t take offense at her friend’s comment, because it was true. “Do you want to take the food to him tonight? I have no objection.” After all, as her inner voice had reminded her, she didn’t intend to get too fond of the man.
“I’ll let you do it.”
Mercy waited as Sybil filled a plate and covered it, then accompanied her down the hill. Seems Brand would have two women visiting him tonight.
Not that Sybil had any objection. Only she didn’t quite convince herself of the truth of those words.
“I suppose you’ve been learning lots about our mysterious cowboy,” Mercy said. “Where’s he from? Where does he plan to go? What’s his name? I can hardly wait to read your story. Will you let me read it before you send it?”
“I’m still working on it. He isn’t too eager to reveal details.” And yet she felt she’d learned so much about him. His caring mother, his Christian upbringing, his tenderness and consideration. “He built a swing.” She pointed to it.
Mercy gave a low whistle. “The children are going to enjoy that.” She shook her head. “Seems a strange thing for him to do. Kind of out of character.”
“I guess it depends on how you judge his character.”
“I see him as a tough loner, likely with a dark secret that drives him.” She turned to squint at Sybil. “Are you softening the man?”
Sybil widened her eyes. “I don’t know what you mean.” But the idea pleased her.
Mercy laughed and patted Sybil’s hand. “You go soften him up some more. Maybe you can convince him to settle down. I’ll see you later.” She turned toward Jayne’s cabin and Sybil continued onward.
She stepped into the clearing and looked to where he usually sat. “Brand?”
She swept her gaze around the clearing. No dishes. No Dawg. No Brand. Nothing. She bent over the ashes. Cold as creek rocks. She straightened. “Brand?”
His name echoed
“Brand, where are you?” She crossed the clearing and pushed through the trees to another opening that allowed her a good view to the north and west. Nothing moved except the leaves, the birds and the grass.
She retraced her steps. Surely she’d missed something to indicate where he was. She poked through the flattened grass and parted the nearby branches.
Finally she sank to the ground and faced the truth.
He was gone.
Her heart shuddered.
Not a word of goodbye.
How could it be? Less than two hours ago they had shared a special moment. Why, she’d even dared kiss his cheek.
Was that it? Did he find her too bold? Did he not want affection?
A calming thought intruded into her shock. Maybe he’d decided to join the others at the bunkhouse.
