Page 54 (1/1)

"So did I," he interrupted "We were captives We had no control over what happened You've got to put it behind you and get on with your life Don't let it coain I'lland finally free I thought I wanted to stay that way It wasn't that I didn't want to be associated with you, I just wasn't h to take on the responsibility"

"You don't understand," she said, her voice breaking with emotion "It's the women that are the worst They say I should have taken my own life rather than allow an Indian to" her voice dissolved into a sob "Don't you see? I'd only drag you down if I stayed with you"

"That's nonsense," he answered sternly "I want you to get your things andso terrible that a feords from the Padre can't mend I have to take care of some business and then I'll meet you there"

Theytown

Cassie stared at the ground nuirl, why had he sent the dress and the flower? Was he actually considering having tives? She caught her breath Was he a Mormon? What did she know about him, after all? Her vision blurred with tears How many women had he promised to marry?

Fury displaced her stupor She ripped the flower fro it in the dust Even if he was a Mormon, how could he make plans with this Darcie when he had proposed to her only an hour ago? Her face burned Or was it a proposal? Maybe he was hoping she would say no Was he giving her a way to back out gracefully?

She glared at the flower If that was the way he wanted it that was the way he would get it She picked the flower up and poked it over her left ear Her knees eak, but her legs finally obeyed as she turned back toward the hotel

Davis was in the lobby when she arrived His adaze sent a smile to his lips

"My, don't you look lovely I don't believe I have ever seen you in a dress before" He shook his head "And here I a back to your ranch?" Her voice sounded strange

He nodded, looking puzzled "Fritz and Royce left thisPete said he decided to accept that offer in Texas He's so off" He reached his arht be the last time we see each other"