Part 36 (2/2)

”What of your tenants?” Tanin asked.

”I have no tenants,” Burke explained. ”Men work for me and receive a decent wage and live in the

bunkhouse.”

He could see by their expressions that they didn't understand about a bunkhouse. ”The men share acommon shelter with beds for each.””What of the wives?” Ellie asked.”Most cowboys aren't wed, though the man who oversees the cowboys for me is and he's provided with a house.”

”Besides wages?” Tanin asked.

Burke nodded and noticed that Ellie whispered in her husband's ear. That there was promise of a future

in America was too much to ignore. He was certain Ellie was probably suggesting the very same. What

did they have here? What could they hope to have here?

He had watched Tanin. He was curious, a quick learner, and not afraid of hard work-all were ingredients for success. Burke decided to put the thought in his head.

”You'd do well in America and would have your own land soon enough.”Ellie smiled and squeezed her husband's arm. ”It's something to think about.””My mother-””Could go with us,” Ellie finished. ”I'm sure her healing skills would be welcomed.”Tanin shook his head slowly. ”Storm-””Will not stop you.”All eyes turned to their pint-sized leader who entered the circle around the campfire.”You are free men and women. The choice is yours.”Silence followed her declaration, and Burke knew what they thought. The tiny, brave woman had saved their lives and provided them with shelter and a family of sorts. How could they desert her?

There was only one answer to that.

Storm had to go to America, and it was up to him to get her there.

Chapter 28.

S torm was one of the last to retire for the night. Burke had left the campfire hours earlier, and she had no doubt he hoped she'd do the same. She couldn't. She was upset.

Burke's vivid description of America painted a desirable picture and had set many minds to thinking. Why not? There was no promise of owning land in Scotland. They would struggle their entire lives and have nothing in the end. At least America provided them with a chance for a decent life, and even if they struggled, it would be for their own land.

How could she deny them that? They couldn't go on living in treetops in the woods forever. She knew how eager Tanin and Ellie were to have a family, and yet at the same time, they both feared it. How could they raise children when Tanin constantly kept two steps ahead of the law?

America seemed the answer to many of their prayers and Storm had the feeling that a few of them would take the opportunity offered and set sail with Burke.

Was she being foolish in not considering the same?

She paced the small confines of her quarters, the questions haunting her mind.

She hadn't expected to feel as tied to Burke as she had these last few days. They spent endless time together and made love every night. Her days had suddenly become more joyous. She smiled more, laughed more, enjoyed life more. Burke had a good sense of humor and he was a man of intelligence.

Their discussions always stirred and challenged her mind.

She had actually panicked when she suddenly realized that he would leave and she would once again be on her own. She had admonished herself to keep her distance, to only enjoy his company but not let herself feel.

She had, however, felt from the very first time he had touched her, kissed her, and that was what started it all. She had experienced emotion for the first time since her husband's death and it had felt so very good.

Suddenly her emptiness was gone and life once again seemed worthwhile.

It actually wasn't a sudden realization. It somehow just happened without her knowing it. She hadn't

wanted to feel for the American. She hadn't believed she could. He was not the type of man she ever imagined herself interested in.

She had never expected to be interested in a man again. This attraction was a complete surprise and

confused her, but then Daniel had told her once that love never made sense.

Love.

It wasn't possible that she could love the American. Or did she refuse to acknowledge her feelings? Did

she really think she could be intimate with the man and not feel?

She plopped down on the bed, annoyed.

Answers certainly weren't forthcoming and she was growing tired of fighting with herself. A simple

interlude had turned complicated in so many ways, and she didn't have the slightest idea how touncomplicate matters.She was grateful for the distraction of the rap at her door-until she saw who it was.”Burke,” she said on a sigh.

”Don't sound so happy to see me.”If only he could feel the catch in her stomach and the flutter in her heart, he'd know exactly how she felton seeing him.

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