He laughed. The men had been teasing him that he was getting old and wanted to sleep in his own bed every night. He didn’t argue. He could think of nowhere else he’d rather be. They said he’d miss the excitement of this life, but they hadn’t lived with Molly.
Wolf moved through the streets at twilight. No one expected him in until tomorrow, but he’d ridden hard. He didn’t want to spend another night without Molly in his arms.
Only one man remained at the office to greet him. Wolf filed a quick report and checked his mail. One letter lay in his box. Wolf didn’t have to guess from whom. Wes McLain’s bold writing filled the front of the envelope.
He leaned against his desk and cut the letter open, expecting bad news. Wes wasn’t a man who’d write just to pass the time. But, as Wolf read, he couldn’t help but smile. The letter simply listed John Catlin’s progress. The wild kid had spent several months at his grandmother’s ranch. Somehow, the wide open spaces had eased his soul. The English he fought so hard against came back to him as smoothly as if he’d never stopped using it. Allie and Wes thought he should go to school. Maybe one of the new colleges in Texas. But his grandmother sided with her grandson, who she insisted on calling Jonathan. He was a man fully grown and wanted to travel, see the world. She felt he’d get his education from living, and she’d offered to fund the trip.
Wolf folded the letter. Jonathan. A handle he never thought would fit the wild kid. But, people change. Look at him. A year ago he’d have stopped by for a drink and already be thinking about his next ride. Now all he wanted to do was go home. Home to Molly.
Wolf only nodded at the ranger as he left. Suddenly he could wait no longer.
As he passed his house, he saw Molly and Callie Ann in the kitchen, but the rain kept him from smelling what they were burning for dinner. He moved to the newly finished barn behind the house and unsaddled his horse. Charlie had done a good job on the barn. It was completely dry inside and had an extra room for Uncle Orson, who didn’t visit as often as he once did.
When Wolf stepped onto the porch, he stopped for a few minutes to look inside. Early was sitting at the table, wrapped in one of Aunt Alvina’s quilts. She must be feeling stronger if she was able to help cook. Her recovery was slow, but she was pampered so much by Charlie that she didn’t seem to mind. They’d made her a room in the study so she wouldn’t have to climb the stairs. By spring she’d be well.
Charlie was still hard to look at, but his face appeared more normal since the doctors had worked on him. He’d bought Miller’s old place and had been working regularly. He was only a memory at the
saloons, but he’d become a constant at Molly’s table.
Callie Ann spotted Wolf and squealed, running to the door. “Daddy!” She flew into his arms.
Wolf held her close. He felt his heart roll over every time the child called him that. She’d decided it all on her own when she’d learned Molly was expecting. Someone had to teach the baby what to call everyone, and Callie Ann appointed herself.
Molly waited at the door for him. She kissed his whiskered face and whispered, “I love you,” as she always did.
Wolf let his hand fan out over her swollen tummy, loving the feel of their child growing inside her. He knew tonight, long after she’d gone to sleep, he’d place his hands around her and almost be able to hold his son or daughter.
Early frowned at him. “I only made one pie,” she said. “I didn’t think you’d be in tonight.”
Wolf winked at her. “I’ll survive if you’ll promise to bake more tomorrow.”
Early still didn’t look happy.
Wolf stepped into the kitchen and removed his coat and gun belt. “What’s the matter? You not feeling well?”
He glanced at Molly. She had the same strange frown. Something was wrong.
“What is it?” He looked from one to the other.
“We have aunts.” Molly sighed as if announcing the end of the world.
“Really?” Wolf laughed. “Sugar or red?” He was truly home.