She straightened. “I forgot about the horses. I’ll help you first, then wash the dishes.” White Horse would likely want time alone with his mother anyway.
They made their way back to the cave’s entrance, and she followed Grant along the narrow path behind the waterfall. When they stepped out from behind the curtain of water, the sun’s heat pressed down in stark contrast to the cooldampness of the cave. She placed the dishes beside the water, then followed him up the slope to the horses.
The horses grazed quietly on the rocky hillside, still wearing their saddles and packs. She stayed at Grant’s side as he approached his mount first. While he rubbed the gelding’s head, she stroked the sweat-dampened shoulder, eyeing Grant.
His expression looked troubled, and he surely realized she wanted to talk with him. At last, he looked her way, and she took the opportunity.
“If we start back the day after tomorrow, what will you do?”
He continued stroking the flat part of the gelding’s head, but the wrestling in Grant’s spirit clouded his gaze. “I guess I’ll ride with you to your ranch. See that Steps Right gets there safely. Then I’ll start looking for Will again.”
Her own spirit twisted, conflicted. Grant would see the ranch. Meet her sisters. She wouldn’t have to say good-bye to him so soon. But he would have to delay his own search. And then he would be all alone in this wilderness.
Two Bit gave a soft nicker, calling her over to him. For now, she could let Grant’s words stand. Maybe a better way would become clear.
She approached Two Bit and rubbed his head while he snuffled her hand. “Sorry, boy. So much has happened, I couldn’t come back to you right away.”
She rubbed his neck and stared out at the flowing river where it gathered speed to cascade over the falls. The mountains rose beyond, majestic yet treacherous.
She had achieved what she and her sisters set out to do more than three years before. She’d accomplished what Papa asked. But the longing inside her hadn’t eased.
Was it simply the fact that Papa hadn’t been able to speak of Faith to Steps Right all those years ago that bothered her so much? That was too silly to be the real reason, but maybe it was a symptom of her deeper problem. Her mind felt too muddled just now to figure it out.
A warm wind kicked up, brushing the hair from her face. Maybe getting Steps Right back to the ranch would help. Perhaps with those final pieces of the journey, she would find the peace she so desperately craved.
SIXTEEN
Only the faint hint of light from the direction of the cave opening gave Grant a clue that morning might have come at last. The hard stone floor had offered little comfort, but that probably wasn’t the only reason he’d struggled to stay asleep.
White Horse rose quietly from his bedding and padded out of the cave. Grant sat up too and glanced toward Steps Right. The older woman’s even breathing continued, which was good. She probably needed the rest.
Near her, Faith stirred, then sat upright, her hand moving to the leather cord she wore around her neck. The soft light of the fire gave her an angelic glow, and her sleep-rumpled hair made her look so adorable. When she sent a tired smile toward him, his heart quickened.
Keeping himself from falling for her was becoming harder each day.
Perhaps he shouldn’t help them take Steps Right back to the ranch. He was much closer to Will from this point. And White Horse would be capable of protecting the women. Faith would be there to see to her injury and needs.
Faith was already rising, moving to the cooking supplies. He’d noticed when he helped put things away last night that their stock of meat was getting low. This morning would be a good time to hunt, while the animals were out enjoying the cool air and the safety of the fog that often spread through the valleys.
He straightened his blankets, then pulled on his boots and rose as White Horse came back into the cave. Grant checked his rifle, then reached for his possibles sack to make sure he had enough bullets and powder.
Faith moved close enough to whisper. “What are you doing?”
“Going hunting.” He secured the clasp on the bag and looped the strap over his neck.
“Can I come too?”
He met her gaze, which held far too much pleading. “Why?”
She glanced toward the cave opening. “It would be nice to get out.”
He could certainly agree with that. Living in this darkness felt like a heavy blanket pressing on his chest. And if he decided not to accompany them to the ranch, this might be his last day with Faith before they went their separate ways. He would have to talk with her about that, but first, they could enjoy a final ride together. “Can you be ready soon?”
She nodded but didn’t smile as she normally did. Was something bothering her? “I’m ready now.” She looked to White Horse. “Will you be here with your mother?”
He’d settled against the back wall with his knife and the block of wood he’d started carving into a bowl last night. He looked up at her now and nodded.
Within minutes, Grant led Faith from the cave, along the ledge, then onto the bank and up the slope. The horses were already grazing in the cool morning air, so he and Faith quickly saddled and mounted, then started down a path that followed the river away from the falls.
