Frontier Gift of Love (American Wilderness Series Romance Book 5) Read online

  “No, I don’t think he’s inside. I haven’t seen him for hours. Could he be hiding somewhere? Maybe playing some kind of game?”

  “Little John!” Sam shouted up the stairs as loudly as he could. They heard no response, except both the cook and housekeeper came rushing out of their quarters appearing alarmed. The urgency in his voice must have worried the women.

  He quickly approached the two. “Have either of you seen Little John?”

  “No, Sir,” they both said in unison.

  “What do you think it means?” Catherine asked, her fists clenched tightly at her sides.

  Sam could hear the alarm in her voice. The last thing she needed was this upsetting her. “God only knows. It’s not like John to disobey me, I asked him to be home before dark. Three of our men and I are leaving to search for him. I told Garvin to stand guard in front of the house in case you need him. Keep the back and front doors barred until further notice.”

  The cook and housekeeper nodded their understanding.

  “All right, Sam. Please be careful,” Catherine said.

  He took hold of her hands. “I will, Catherine. We’ll find him,” he promised emphatically. “Please try not to fret. It’s not good for you or the babe.” She would likely worry anyway, but he had to say it.

  He turned toward the cook and housekeeper. “I want you ladies to be sure Catherine rests while I’m gone. And take good care of her!” It sounded like an order because it was.

  “We will Captain,” Mrs. Wrigley promised while Miss Henk lit a few candles to brighten the dark room. “We’ll be praying that you find Mister John with all speed.”

  Sam glanced toward the door at the sound of the hired hands riding up outside the house. “Time to go.” Since it was winter, the only time he ever wore a hat, he snugged his tricorne over his head. To ward off the frigid night air, he exchanged his light coat for a heavier one. As always, he carried his long knife, but he grabbed his Kentucky rifle, powder horn, lead bag, and a second flintlock pistol as well. “I’m going to let Garvin use your rifle, Catherine, so he’ll have two rifle shots, if needed.”

  “Of course,” she replied.

  He kissed Catherine before he left. A man should never leave his wife without kissing her. Life is entirely too precarious and one never knows what threats the day may hold…or the night.

  He tossed Catherine’s rifle to Garvin, snatched up Alex’s reins, and sprang on top of the big gelding.

  He peered down at Garvin. “Guard Catherine and the other women. If anything happens and I’m needed, use your rifle and Catherine’s rifle to fire two shots into the air. Remember, one if Little John comes back, two if my wife needs me.”

  “We’re getting’ close,” Bear told Artis. “I can see the smoke from their hearth risin’ above the tree line.”

  “Na a moment too soon,” Artis said. “I’m near freezin’. It’s grown far colder in the last hour.”

  “Aye, it has. Feels like snow’s comin’. That hearth fire and a hot cup of coffee will be most welcome.”

  As they rounded a corner on the trail, Bear heard men hollering and horses in the distance. Several mounts. Was it Sam? He peered ahead and saw riders coming up the path toward them. “I think that may be Sam. Na one sits a horse quite like Sam. I can see his buckskin’s dun-colored coat. He has three men with him.” He turned a worried glance toward Artis. “They’re callin’ out for Little John!”

  Bear urged his horse to a run, quickly confirming that it was indeed Sam with three men.

  “Bear!” Sam called out.

  Within a few moments, Bear tugged Camel to a stop in front of Sam’s horse. Artis pulled up behind him.

  Sam’s rugged face was tight and grim. “Thank the Lord, you’ve come early! Little John is missing!”

  “Missin’?” Bear swallowed the alarm that tightened his throat. “For how long?”

  Worry filled Sam’s eyes. “He was supposed to be back before dark. We just set out to search for him. You can help.”

  Even in the dim light, Bear could see how alarmed Sam was and his own heart tightened with apprehension. A boy alone in the woods at night was cause for true concern.

  “Aye, of course I’ll help,” Bear replied.

  “I’ll help as well,” Artis said.

  “Sam, this is my wife Artis.”

  “It’s a great pleasure to finally meet you,” Sam said. “Forgive me if my mind is elsewhere.”

  “There’s nothin’ to forgive ,” Artis replied. “How can we help?”

  “Where are ye headed?” Bear asked Sam.

  “We’ve been calling for him ever since we left the house, with no luck. There’s a nice stand of timber about a half mile up ahead where Little John and I usually hunt. He may have gone there. It’s far enough away that sounds from the house and barn don’t scare off the game.”

  “Did the lad go hunting?” Artis asked.

  “He did,” Sam answered, “earlier this afternoon. These men are my hands—Harry, James, and Matthew. I left Garvin guarding the house.”

  The men said hello to Bear and nodded to Artis.

  All three appeared to Bear to be strong young men, but James was by far the brawniest of the three.

  “Artis, I’m sure you’re cold and tired,” Sam said quickly, trying to move things along. “My men and Bear will help me find my son. Go on ahead to the house and meet Catherine. Stay on this trail and it will lead you right there in about a half mile. I’m sure Catherine’s terribly worried and could use your company.”

  Bear could tell Artis started to protest. He was sure she wanted to help find the boy too, but he hoped she would do as Sam asked. She had to be exhausted and she’d just told him she was near freezing.

  “Of course, if that’s what ye want me to do,” she said, with a sidelong look at Bear.

  “Get warm my love. We’ll be back soon,” Bear told her.

  “Let’s go!” Sam urged. “Keep calling Little John’s name. When we reach the woods, we’ll spread out and move in an easterly line through the trees.”

  Knowing the stallion was too tired to lope, Artis walked Glasgow toward Sam and Catherine’s home. This was not the joyous reunion she had envisioned. She prayed the boy would be all right. The child was dear to Bear and, of course, Sam and Catherine would be devastated if something happened to Little John.

  As she rode closer to the impressive two-story log home, a man yelled out from the long porch. “Who goes there?”

  Artis could see the man standing near the home’s entry, silhouetted against the candlelight coming from the house’s windows. She also saw a rifle pointed at her.

  “Sir, I am Artis MacKay, Bear’s wife and sister-in-law to Sam and Catherine.”

  “Oh, forgive me Mrs. MacKay,” the man said, lowering the rifle. “I’m Garvin Cotter, the farm manager. I’ll let Mrs. Wyllie know you’re here.” He stuck his head in the door and called out, “Mrs. Wyllie, Mrs. MacKay has arrived.”

  When Artis dismounted, after so long in the saddle, her knees nearly buckled. Gripping her saddle until she steadied herself, she said, “My husband has gone with Captain Sam to help search for Little John.”

  “Would you like me to stable and feed your mount?” Garvin volunteered. “He certainly is a fine animal.”

  “Oh aye, that would be most appreciated, Mr. Cotter. His name is Glasgow. Please feed him well. He’s earned it.”

  Garvin removed her bags from her horse and set them on the porch. “I’ll bring those in for you in a bit. Please tell Mrs. Wyllie to keep the door barred until I return from the barn.”

  “Aye. Thank ye, Mr. Cotter.” She approached the porch, hoping she could be of some comfort to Catherine. Before she reached the top step, one of the most gorgeous women she’d ever seen stepped out, arms extended in greeting. This must be Catherine. Bear was right. Even heavy with child, the woman was positively elegant. Her long raven hair gleamed and above her high cheekbones, her beautiful big eyes looked like the sparkling b
lue waters of a Highland loch. But worry marred her delicate features.

  “Artis, welcome! I’m Catherine. I’m sorry you have arrived during a family crisis. Our son has gone…missing.” Catherine swallowed, looking as though she wanted to cry, but wouldn’t allow herself.

  “I know. We encountered Sam and his men as we approached yer home,” Artis replied. “I’m so sorry this has happened. I hope all will be well soon.” Artis put her arms around Catherine and leaned forward, trying her best to hug the woman, but Catherine’s enormous belly made it somewhat awkward.

  “Please, come in. You must be frozen, starved, and beyond tired.” Catherine led her inside and helped Artis out of her traveling coat. While Artis removed her gloves and weapons, Catherine hung the coat and her bonnet on one of several deer horns attached to the wall by the door. “This is a lovely calash,” Catherine said admiring the bonnet as she hung it. “I would like to have one made just like it.”

  Artis smiled, pleased at the compliment. “Mr. Cotter asked that ye bar the door while he takes care of my horse.”

  When Catherine stepped toward the door, Artis said, “Please, allow me to do it.”

  When she finished, Catherine took her into the front room furnished with several pieces of finely made furniture and an extremely large dining table at the back of the room.

  Artis gazed across the spacious room that looked and smelled warm and welcoming. Two unlit silver candelabras graced both ends of the dining table and garland, bedecked with ribbons and red berries, hung over the window as well as a cabinet filled with fine china and crystal. A wreath fashioned from greenery and wild berries hung over the large superbly made mantel. And pleasant scents permeated the home—the oak burning in the sizeable hearth, pine garlands, and something baking in the kitchen.

  Catherine motioned toward a large chair by the hearth. “Please, sit down in Sam’s chair. The fire will warm you quickly.”

  “Thank ye,” Artis said as she sank wearily into the chair. She leaned her tired back against the big comfortable chair, already feeling at home. “Yer house is magnificent. I particularly love the mantel and the holiday wreath above. That mantel resembles the one Bear made for our own home.”

  Catherine smiled faintly as she took a chair herself. “It should. Bear made that mantel.”

  Artis chuckled. No wonder she liked the mantel. “Your home looks quite festive.”

  “I wish I felt festive, but thank you. I enjoy decorating for the Christmas season.” Catherine stood. “I’ll just go ask Mrs. Wrigley to fix a plate of food for you.”

  “Nay, there’s na need. I’ll wait until we can all eat together,” Artis said. “But some coffee and a wee biscuit would be most welcome for now.”

  Catherine disappeared for a few moments and then returned and slowly eased into what looked like her own chair. “Mrs. Wrigley will be out shortly with your refreshments. Did you have bags with you?”

  “Aye. Mr. Cotter said he would bring them in soon.”

  “I’m glad Sam left Garvin to stand guard. I feel better knowing he’s out there.” Catherine winced a bit and then leaned back in her chair and placed a hand on her right side. “The midwife says I’m going to have a big boy.”

  “How blessed ye will feel with two sons,” Artis said.

  At the mention of two sons, Catherine’s eyes watered. “Oh Artis, I’m so worried for Little John. Nothing like this has ever happened before. We’ve only had him for a little more than two years, but I love him so much.”

  “I can see that Catherine, to be sure. I could also tell how much Sam loves the lad. Bear was quite distressed too when your husband told us what happened. He’s been lookin’ forward to seein’ Little John again for weeks.” Artis smiled. “Bear loves the wee lad.”

  Catherine nodded. “Little John and Bear are quite close.”

  “Is there anythin’ I can do for ye?” Artis asked. “I wanted to go with them to help find Little John, but Sam asked me to come and stay with ye.”

  “He’s worried sick about me. I fear my husband will not relax until I’ve delivered and he’s holding our babe in his arms. Even then, he’ll probably fret over the child day and night.”

  Artis grinned at Catherine and wondered if Bear would be the same way some day.

  Garvin knocked and called out, “It’s Garvin, Mrs. Wyllie.”

  “Allow me,” Artis said, and sprang up to unbar and open the door.

  Garvin quickly sat the bags inside. “I’ll get back to guard duty now.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Cotter,” Artis said and rebarred the door before turning back to Catherine.

  “I’ll have Miss Henk put those in Bear’s room later,” Catherine said.

  “Bear still has a room here?”

  “Indeed, he will always have a room here. He’s family and he helped build this house,” Catherine answered. “Now, that room belongs to both of you.”

  Catherine’s welcoming words warmed Artis’ heart. “Thank ye for yer hospitality.”

  “I would be more hospitable were I not so terribly worried,” Catherine said, swallowing and then blinking away the tears that threatened. “Forgive me, I should have offered to take you to your room. You must be exhausted. Would you like to go lie down and rest awhile?”

  “Nay, ‘tis quite comfortable here by the fire. I’m finally warmin’ up.”

  “Oh, Mrs. Wrigley, thank you,” Catherine said, as the cook sat the tray on the low table that sat between the two women. “This is Artis MacKay, Bear’s new wife.”

  “Pleased to make your acquaintance, Mrs. MacKay. Bear certainly found himself a lovely wife indeed!” Mrs. Wrigley said with a kind smile. “While you’re staying with us, please just ask for anything you might need or like. If I can’t help you, the housekeeper, Miss Henk will. She’s resting just now. Like Mrs. Wyllie and me, she’s terribly upset about little Mister John being lost in the forest.”

  Artis hoped the child was just lost. Then the men could find him, frightened perhaps, but probably unharmed.

  But as she well knew, wild woods contained many perils. And at night, danger could quickly become terror.

  Chapter 11

  Growing increasingly uneasy, Sam’s heart quavered with worry for Little John. As his men hollered Little John’s name over and over, old fears whispered inside his head. When you love someone you can lose them.

  But his heart refused to listen to the whispers. He would find their son.

  The sight of Bear once again riding beside him gave him hope. “Why did you arrive early?” he asked, looking over at Bear. For the first time, he noticed his brother’s clean-shaven face and that his dark red hair hung far shorter.

  “’Twas na happenstance. I had a feelin’ I might be needed,” Bear answered. “After Breedhead told me about those three strangers, I had to come. William and his family are coming early too. Was I right, did the three bring trouble?”

  “Indeed. I killed one of them. Although I only meant to wound him. The man raised his weapon and pointed it at me so I shot back, but his horse moved.”

  “Why did the fool point a weapon at ye?” Bear asked.

  “I guess he didn’t like hearing me refuse to sign over my land back home.”

  “Why would they want it that much? After the mountain slide that killed yer parents and sister, God rest their sweet souls, there’s na much left but the mountain.”

  “They said they wanted it to quarry rock. But, let’s talk about this later. Right now, we need to focus on finding my son.”

  “Aye. But perhaps the two are related.”

  Sam rode in silence for a moment or two, his mind searching for a plausible connection. Then, realization struck. “If you’re right, those two bastards have my son.” As soon as he uttered the words, he knew why. He eyed Bear, alarm filling him at the disturbing thought.

  “Aye. I suspect they plan to use the lad to force you to sign. They want to exchange Little John for the deed.”

  “I’ll kill the ba
stards, inch by inch, if they harm my boy,” Sam swore.

  “Until we know for sure, let’s just hope the lad is lost,” Bear said.

  His brother was trying to ease Sam’s worries, but Sam recognized the truth when he heard it. He needed to find Little John and soon.

  “There, that stand of pines.” Sam pointed to the woods on the other side of the meadow and then slowed his horse to a stop. He turned Alex around to face his men. “Bear and I will ride ahead on the trail that Little John and I normally take. Harry, I want you to take the southern end of that copse of trees. James, you take the middle. And Mathew, you cover the northern end. If any of you find him, fire one shot into the air. And be listening for Garvin’s weapon too. I told him to do the same if Little John comes home. If Garvin fires two shots, that means Catherine needs me.”

  “Understood, Captain,” James said.

  “Anything could have happened to him—from a fall to a wild animal. But Bear and I think there is a strong possibility that those men from this morning kidnapped Little John to force me to sign over my New Hampshire land. So be careful and keep an eye out for Dixon and Crowell too. Hopefully, my son is just lost. Keep calling his name and scanning the forest. He’s wearing his brown coat and a red shirt,” Sam said. “When you get into the woods, light your torches. Now, help me bring my boy home.”

  “Yes, Sir,” the three men said before they took off in their respective directions.

  As soon as his men left, Sam dismounted and lit his torch with his flint. “With the sky full of clouds, there’s not enough moon to let us see anything. Hopefully this torch will help.”

  “Perhaps I can spot a print in a patch of snow,” Bear said. “Is Little John riding Dan?”

  “No, he’s on foot,” Sam answered. He wished the boy was riding the horse Little John named after Daniel Boone. At least then his feet wouldn’t freeze.

  The two started out leading their horses and calling Little John’s name repeatedly.

  Bear followed closely, a horse length or two behind him for a long while, before his brother finally spoke. “Sam, come back here. Look, I think that’s his wee boot print there in the snow. And here’s another.”