A Very Splendor Christmas by Shirleen Davies

Author:Shirleen Davies
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Avalanche Ranch Press LLC
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

Redemption’s Edge Ranch

Billy rested his arms on the top rail of the corral, observing several horses grazing. He’d been struggling with his duty to Shining Star and his desire to spend all his time working with Travis to ready the horses for sale.

Dax had been clear. His promise to Running Bear came first. Protecting Shining Star and her unborn child would take precedence over any other work.

Lifting his hat, Billy shredded fingers through his long hair, thinking about the real reason for his distress. Shining Star.

The young Blackfoot woman had captured his interest from their first meeting. They’d formed a friendship, of sorts, which was the reason her grandfather trusted him with her safety. At first, he’d been honored, welcomed the chance to spend time with her.

As the days and weeks crept by, they attempted to learn the other’s language. Billy had learned the Crow language while a captive, but Blackfoot was new. He’d been surprised at her progress, and at the gentle way she guided him through hers.

What truly stunned him was her attitude about the pregnancy. Shining Star had shown no hatred toward the Crow warrior who’d taken her against her will. Even as the Blackfoot people shunned her, and facing an uncertain future, she kept a serene countenance. He admired her…knew he was falling in love with her.

“Billy Zales.”

Turning at her soft voice, he watched Shining Star walk toward him. Her splayed hands were resting on her expanding belly, a small smile focusing on him.

“Good evening, Shining Star. Are you feeling well?”

“Yes. And you?”

He nodded behind him. “Watching the horses.”

Her gaze followed his. “It is a good time to be here. You will walk with me?”

“Of course.”

It was the same almost every night. They would take short walks around the house or barn until Shining Start felt tired enough to sleep.

Tonight was different. For the first time, she threaded her fingers through his. The gesture surprised and pleased him. As they walked, Billy continued to be vigilant, his gaze sweeping the area ahead and around them.

Reaching out with her other hand, she captured several falling snowflakes. Watching them melt, she looked up, studying the darkened sky, brows furrowing.

“What is it, Shining Star?”

“This storm. It will not be easy, Billy Zales.”

Glancing up, he saw the same clouds, felt the flakes drop onto his face. “A blizzard?”

Nose wrinkling, she repeated the word, brows drawing together.

“A blizzard is a bad storm,” he explained.

Repeating the word several times, she nodded, satisfied she understood. “Yes. A blizzard.”

A noise in the brush had him tugging her behind him. Dropping her hand, he drew his gun. “Stay here.”

Taking a few steps forward, he whipped around at her scream. Coming at them were two Crow braves. One ran straight for Billy, knife raised, while the other grabbed Shining Star by an arm, hauling her to him.

Lifting the six-shooter, he aimed and fired, dropping one at his feet. Aiming again, his finger froze on the trigger when the Crow brave wrapped an arm around her waist, placing a knife to her throat.

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