Page 65 of Rawhide and Ransom

“I popped the question right before you walked in,” Hawk explained in a voice that was husky with exultation, “and she said yes!”

“Oh, wow! It just happened, huh? Congratulations!” Mirabelle shook his hand, then gave Annalee another hug.

When she tried to pull away, Annalee held on a little longer. “Please come over for dinner and a visit soon!”

“Sure. Thanks!” Mirabelle gave her an awkward smile and dug a flip-top phone from her pocket. “Here’s the number to my burner.” She looked it up and rattled it off. Then she pocketed the phone and moved toward the door. “Sorry to dash, but I really am allergic to hospitals.” The look she darted around her was downright spooked.

Annalee’s heart ached for her. She had no idea how a person was supposed to heal and move on from what her sister had been through. It was going to take a miracle for sure.

“How about I walk you out?” Running Bear followed her to the door. “I’ve waited a long time to meet you, my dear. I’d like nothing more than to visit some more on your way out.”

Mirabelle gave him a nervous up-down nod and all but dashed toward the door.

“Oh, and if you’re looking for a job,” Annalee called after her, “I’m gonna need someone to help the current manager run Dakota Farm.”

Mirabelle skidded to a halt in the doorway and spoke without turning around. “Are you, by any chance, referring to Edward Dakota?”

“I am. He’s doing an amazing job,” Annalee informed her cheerfully. “No complaints. But running an operation that big is gonna take more than one person. Just think about it, will you?”

Mirabelle was still for a moment. Then she nodded and disappeared around the corner.

Chapter 11: Unexpected Proposals

Running Bear kept Mirabelle in the hospital lobby longer than she would’ve liked. He was just so charismatic and unexpectedly nice that it was difficult to break away from him. She finally managed to relocate their conversation to the sidewalk outside, where he still seemed in no hurry to let her go.

While she listened to him talk, she could practically hear the nicker of the wild Mustangs he claimed his ancestors had ridden. She could also imagine the howl of the wolves echoing off the hills he loved so much, picture the tall wheat grass blowing in the breeze, and smell the venison stew he still simmered over his campfires.

While she listened to him spin tale after tale about his people and their legacy, she glanced around the parking lot in search of a cab to flag down.

Running Bear’s perceptive eyes followed her movements. “You need a ride?”

She blinked in surprise. He looked like he’d stepped right out of a historical painting with his beaded tunic and tangle of necklaces and pendants. Since there was no horse in sight, she couldn’t fathom how he’d gotten to the hospital himself.

“I, um…yes.”

He looked pleased. “Follow me.” He motioned for her to stroll with him to a nearby parking garage.

She couldn’t have been more surprised when he led her to an enormous black Harley motorcycle. “This is yours?”

“Why so surprised?” His voice was teasing. “It’s got more horse-power than anything else I’ve ever ridden.”

A laugh rolled out of her. It was a rusty sound. She honestly couldn’t remember the last time she’d laughed. To her horror, the laugh turned into a sob. She clapped a hand over her mouth, not sure what was wrong with her.

Running Bear nodded in understanding at her. “It’s alright, my dear. Let the storm out.”

Another choking sob worked its way out of her. Then another one.

To her added shock, tears started coursing down Running Bear’s swarthy cheeks as well. “You aren’t the only one who’s spent years trying to harness a storm.” Tears continued to roll down his face and splash onto his tunic as he shared his side of the heartache. “I lost my brother and nephew to the same evil that came after you and your family. The Gilberts were never alone in this battle.”

It took a while for her to regain her voice. “I felt alone.” The only thing standing between her and the darkness were the promises she’d read about in the Gideon Bible someone had left in her hospital room years ago. She’d treasured it like a drowning person would a lifeline. Without it, her mind would’ve probably long since been sucked down the deep hole of depression.

“You’re not alone anymore.” Running Bear swiped his sleeve across his face. “You’ve got your sister now, her daughter, Hawk, and me.” He winked at her. “And something tells me you’ve got ol’ Edward Dakota wrapped around your pinky finger as well.”

She felt her face heat. “I haven’t laid eyes on him in thirty-two years. He’s probably changed a little,” she joked.

“Just a little.” Running Bear smirked at her as he handed her a helmet.

Apprehension fluttered through her midsection. “He’s still in a wheelchair, isn’t he?”

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