The Blackbird by Kristy McCaffrey

Author:Kristy McCaffrey
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: tucson, arizona territory, romance historical western, old west romance, romance 1870s, apache indians, kristy mccaffrey, romance and cowboys, wings of the west series, the blackbird
Publisher: Kristy McCaffrey

Chapter Seventeen

Cale stepped out of the house onto a narrow porch. Vern Blight didn’t have a large home, but it was surprisingly well-kept and nestled beneath a grove of tall oaks. Water ran in a nearby creek, and a sturdy barn stood by a corral about thirty feet wide. Blight had a collection of animals—a few horses, goats, sheep and a passel of pigs. Cale had an inkling there were others in the barn, from the noises emanating. There was also a decent-sized garden beside the house. The Apache couple lived in a wickiup down near the water.

Cale was impressed that Blight had chosen to stay on after the stage station was abandoned. Initially the man had made a living providing food and horses to the Butterfield Stage Company, but later decided he liked it enough to remain without the steady income. He said he continued to trade with the Apache, and it kept relations on an amicable keel.

Cale scanned for the Worthingtons, but Vern said they’d departed to camp farther up the canyon. He wondered if he should check on them, especially after the Apache attack, but decided they’d have to fend for themselves. He had no intention of leaving Tess unprotected.

Her leg was in bad shape, and moving her would be impossible for a bit. Bruises dotted her face, and a nasty gash lined her forehead.

Despite it all, relief settled into his bones.

She lived.

When he’d managed to get free of the gunfight, worry had soon turned to desperation when it was clear that she’d fallen and he couldn’t find her. But then he discovered this oasis nestled beneath a cloak of trees as if a secret haven. And Vern Blight had given the use of his home. Despite the oddity of the situation, Cale didn’t think Blight the bad sort.

Vern emerged from the barn and walked toward Cale. The sun was high in the sky, and a sheen of sweat covered the older man’s face. He removed his floppy hat and wiped his forehead with the back of an arm. Vern was short and bow-legged . He must’ve been a teamster in the past. “How's she doin'?”

“Fine, thanks to you. I'm grateful. It may take some time for her to recuperate.”

“Not a problem. But I ain't got another bed. You two married?”

“No, but I can sleep on the floor. Won't bother me. I want to be close in case she needs something.”

“Do you wanna get married?” Vern’s lips spread into a toothy grin.

Cale laughed. “Maybe. Do you have a missus?”

“Nope. Had one a long time ago, but she ran off. Said she went crazy livin' in the hills alone. Guess it just doesn’t suit some people. I got my animals, and I like ’em a lot more, so I’ll stay in the barn with ’em. They don't run off. Just die sometimes.”

“I’m obliged. If I can help out around here in any way, let me know.”

Vern raised an eyebrow. “Hmph. I’ll think on that. You’re a lot taller and stronger than I am.

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