Page 42 of That Fateful Ride

Chapter10

Rebecca swallowed hard before she clenched the basket tighter and walked in the house. She had known her mama was in here as well, waiting. She set the items on the counter and began putting things away.

“Hello, Papa.”

This wasn’t the reunion she’d expected, she had pictured hugs. Her father sat in his rocker watching her with an unreadable expression.

“Want to explain to me why I found you in an alley kissing a white man?”

She clenched her fingers. What could she say?

“Rebecca?” Mama this time. “Was this the guy from yesterday?”

Mortification at her actions kept her mute. She nodded and found her mother beside her.

“I come home after a year and that is the first I see of my baby girl. Wrapped around a man like a street whore.”

Immeasurable pain sliced through her. He thought her no better than a whore. “I’m so sorry, Papa.” Her words were barely above a whisper.

“Go easy on her, Joshua.”

“Easy? You didn’t see her, Sally. She should have been at home where she wouldn’t get in trouble.”

“Your daughter is no longer a child. She is a grown woman who took over for her brother when he got injured, so we wouldn’t lose the extra money! So before you come back after no word for over nearly two years, perhaps you should see how she’s doing before passing judgment.”

Rebecca watched in shock. In all her years, she’d never seen Mama argue with Papa like this. Much less, raise her voice. She’d never had to.

“What happened to my boy?”

“He’s fine!” Mama snapped. “It was yourdaughterwho cut off all her hair and rode the Pony Express with all those men around her who could have done…who knows what, had they found out about her. Extra rides, hostile Indians, and more. However, look at her she’s fine. And for you to come home and say that…” she slammed the cupboard door, “…is neither right nor fair.”

Rebecca wanted to hide in her bed and cry. Her mama faced her and touched her chin. “I’m so proud of you, baby.” Whirling around she demanded, “You better figure this out, Joshua, because I will never forgive you if I lose my daughter and my first grandchild!”

It took a moment for the words to register. Then she shook her head in shock. She couldn’t be. Could she?

“What?” her father bellowed.

She had no moisture to formulate a single word and her legs wobbled.

“You may as well come in, I figure you’re a big part of this.”

Her mother waved at someone behind her. Rebecca turned and watched with mixed emotions as Cy stepped through, removing his hat as he did. His dark hazel eyes sought hers and the deep emotion in them astonished her. He moved toward her.

“You didn’t know.” A statement from Cy.

She shook her head. “You did?”

Those eyes blazed hot and she shivered for an entirely different reason. “I suspected. Your body has changed,” he murmured in her ear.

He didn’t touch her but she felt his presence like a warm cloak offering protection. She looked back to her mother. There was compassion and sorrow in her eyes.

“You really didn’t think I didn’t notice the sickness and the way you tired so easily, did you?” Her mother posed the question.

“I thought I was sick.” It was the truth.

“I was waiting for you to tell me. Then he showed and I saw how you looked at him.” She frowned. “What is your name?”

“Cyrus Spencer, ma’am.”

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