Reno still hoped to meet the next stagecoach in Waco if possible. The sooner he was on the trail of the drummer boy, the better he would feel.
The hour was nearing midnight when he returned to King’s Ransom. He wasn’t surprised to see the light of a lamp shining through the front window of the main house. King was waiting up for him. “I swear, that man is as bad as an old brood hen with a bunch of biddies.” Not wanting to keep his Captain from his bed any longer than necessary, Reno rode right up to the porch. “I won’t be long, boy. I’ll take care of you in just a bit.” Dismounting, he gave the stallion a gentle pat on the neck, then bounded up the steps to tap softly on the door.
A fraction of a second later Fancy stood before him. “About time you got here. We were worried.”
“Ah, no need of that.” Reno removed his hat and gave Fancy a kiss on the cheek. “You’re looking exceptionally pretty tonight. What’s the occasion?”
“Oh, thank you.” Fancy blushed at the kind words. “No occasion. I’m just happy, that’s all.”
“Oh?” Reno was glad. “King being good to you?” After a lifetime of hardship, she deserved all the pampering her husband could lavish on her.
“Always.” She leaned in to whisper in his ear. “We just found out we’re having a baby.”
The good news went straight to Reno’s heart and a smile burst forth on his lips. “Marvelous!” He picked her up and swung her around. “I’m so happy for you!”
“Put the wife down, Black. Slowly.”
King’s growling voice didn’t surprise Reno. “Yes sir, Captain.” As instructed, he set the sweet woman gently on her feet.
“Glad you’re home.” King rose to clap Reno on the back.
“Thanks.” He held out his hand. “I hear congratulations are in order.”
“They definitely are, Reno. We’re thrilled.” He pointed him in the direction of the fireplace. “Come sit. How are you? Any problems?”
“No. Everything was peaceful. Ela has more energy than me and you put together.”
“Not surprised. She’s spry for her age. Join me for a nightcap?”
“Sounds wonderful.”
Ahead of them both, Fancy came forward bringing each of the men a cup. “Warm milk laced with a tad of whiskey. This will help you sleep.”
“Thank you. My favorite.” Reno accepted the treat with gratitude. “I’m going to miss your cooking while I’m gone, Miss Fancy.”
“I spent all afternoon baking. I have provisions for you to take on your trip and some to leave with Saul and the little ones.” She fussed with her apron. “I wish you’d get those children to move in with us. There’s room in the bunkhouse now that Gentry and Domino have built their own cabins. I’m sure Amelia and Ace would be thrilled to have them around.”
“I know. I’m working on changing their minds.” Reno stretched his legs out in front of him. “I’ve told them they’re welcome here as often as you have. Saul is just determined for them to live in the house their daddy built with his own two hands. There’s too many memories in that place he’s not ready to let go of yet.”
“Maybe he’s afraid they’ll forget,” Fancy muttered. “I can barely remember my mother’s face.”
Reno recalled Fancy sharing how she’d lost her parents as a baby. She’d been raised in foster care before running away to fend for herself. “I’m sure that’s part of it,” he agreed.
“From what I can tell, the boy has a stubborn streak a mile wide. He doesn’t want to be beholden to nobody.” King’s observation brought a chorus of agreement from Fancy and Reno.
“Yes, you’re right, but things will be different when I return. I plan on building a place for us all and Saul is just going to have to accept it. I’m not going to take no for an answer.”
“Good.” Fancy patted her skirt. “Oh! Wait. I have something else for you to take to Saul.” She hurried to the back and both men waited patiently for her return. When she reappeared, she was carrying a package. “Guess what? Those photographs I had taken the last time the children visited have come in. The photographer brought them by this morning.” Carefully she removed two framed pictures to show to Reno.
“Well, I’ll be. Look at that.” One was of the children and the others were of the adults. There was one group shot and a portrait of each individual.”
“Aren’t they beautiful?”
“Very nice, Ms. Fancy. Very nice.” He studied the faces