want you to stay in a proper hotel and not camp out under some tree.”
Instead of offending Reno, Gentry’s concern warmed his heart. “I’ll be fine. I promise.”
“All right.” Gentry backed off and gave him a beaming smile. “I wish you safe travels, my friend.”
“And good luck,” Boone added as he helped Fancy clear the table.
As she passed by with the leftovers, she nodded to Reno. “I have supplies for the kids and provisions for you. Everything’s packed in the saddlebags on the porch ready to go.”
“Excellent. Thank you so much.” He gave the pretty woman a kiss on the cheek. “Where’s your husband this morning?” Reno hoped to see King one more time before he hit the road.
“He’s at the barn with Domino. One of the cows is having trouble calving.”
“All right. I’ll see them when I saddle up Traveler.” He lifted a hand in a final farewell to his friends. “Take care, everyone. I’ll see you soon.”
On the way across the yard, he took note of the fruit trees and Fancy’s garden. Reno couldn’t help but think how this land looked when they first came. The wild western wilderness was being tamed by the blood, sweat, and tears of pioneers in search of a better life. He couldn’t help but be proud of the part he’d played in building this ranch. In years to come, their families would share in the bounty they were cultivating now.
As he neared the barn, he could hear King’s voice. “There she is. A little heifer. Good job, Domino!”
Once he darkened the door, Reno could see King working with the newborn spotted calf, helping mother and baby get into position for the little one to suck. “I see you two have been busy.”
Domino was cleaning his hands in a bucket of water. “We have. I’m beginning to think I should be a veterinarian. Bringing a calf into the world beats the hell out of digging shrapnel from a wounded soldier. Are you about to leave?”
“I am.” He gathered Traveler’s tack and saddle. “Domino, I’d appreciate it if you’d check on Ela while I’m gone.”
“Of course.” He agreed, wiping his hands on a dry rag. “Anything in particular I should look for?”
“No. I just worry about her.”
“I’ll give her a visit and the children also,” the doctor assured his friend. “We’ll take turns checking on them. You don’t have to worry.”
His assurance gave Reno peace of mind. “I appreciate it.” Cinching the saddle tight, he picked up the reins to lead his horse from the barn. “I’ll be off as soon as I load up the goods Fancy put together for me.” He approached his captain. “King, thanks for understanding why I need to take the time off from the ranch.”
King put a comforting hand on the younger man’s arm. “This is important. Cole needs you now. I’m just glad you and your brother have reconciled.”
Reno knew the captain was thinking about his own estranged sibling. “None of what happened was Cole’s fault. Our father was the weak one. Money meant more to him than family did.”
“People let us down sometimes.” He followed Reno out of the barn. “Just remember, you have family here. Go on your journey and do what you need to do. When you’re through – we’ll be waiting.”
“Will do, Captain.” After positioning the filled saddlebags, he mounted Traveler and urged the stallion to a gallop. A half day’s ride awaited him. With the sun warm on his skin and the breeze in his face, Reno felt as if nothing could go wrong.
Journey
Journey awoke to the sound of hoofbeats. How was that possible? She sat up in the bed, her heart pounding. After a few moments she realized she’d been dreaming about Reno. Again.
Needing some air, she rose from the bed. After padding to the window, she pushed the curtain back to see the first rays of the morning sunrise. In vain, she tried to remember the details of the dream – but she couldn’t. There was just the lingering sensation of sun on her skin and wind in her hair. He’d been riding that black stallion of his. Traveler. As she gazed out her apartment window at the traffic on the street, she tried to reconcile what she was seeing with the vision in her mind. Why did these dreams seem so real?
“Stop it. Lou’s right, you need to focus on building a future.” So far, she was just existing. Drifting. Yes, she enjoyed her job. She had a handful