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"Fair enough"

They slid down the hill a ways until they could stand without being seen He stood and brushed the sand from his clothes and then helped her to her feet Then he brushed the sand froht slap on her backside

"I'll give you 'till we get to Ashley"

And if she still couldn't make up her mind? What then? Would he simply walk away?

They half walked; half slid down the sandy hill to join the others As they approached, Royce eyed Bordeaux with a slasses, Bordeaux? That looked like a hty cozy situation" His eyes shifted to Cassie "How coave hi red The last thing she wanted was rivalry aed, the ed"

Royce's jaw fell He fixed inquiring eyes on Bordeaux

"That so?"

Bordeaux picked up his saddle "I just asked her to marry me" He carried it a short distance from the others and dropped it to the sand His body followed the saddle and it became a pillow He pulled his hat over his eyes

Royce whistled softly "You work fast"

Cassie could feel theround All the activity and lack of sleep was catching up with her and she was exhausted

"You all better get some rest" Pete broke the stunned silence "I'll stand watch first and Fritz can relieveI've been wonderin' about," Royce said to Bordeaux "How come them soldiers wanted you with them?"

Bordeaux didn't move "Probably because I kno they think"

Royce stared at him "Who?"

Bordeaux was silent

"Them Injuns?"

"Get soht an end to the inquest

Cassie scooped sand to make a pillow and put her hat over her face With no shade, there was little chance for rest The sun baked the heat If any rays missed their bodies, the sand reflected it to thelanced at Bordeaux, who see comfortably What was his secret?

Secret was the operative word What did she know about him? Hoell did he know her father? He didn't seeo back It seeet her, and then give up Was it love that had pro else? Why would Dad pay hih she had al claim What about the twins? Hoould they fit into Bordeaux's plans? She wasn't going to abandon them to her father so she could enjoy herself They were depending on her and she wasn't going to let them down