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«If my brother doesn’t have the ma
«Amen,» Caleb said. «Much as I hate to admit it, I’d miss the sound of Whip’s flute calling up the dawn when he comes visiting.»
«And just who accused me of stampeding the cattle with my ‘spirit pipes’?» Whip asked instantly, grateful for the change of subject.
«Must have been Wolfe,» Caleb said.
«Huh,» was all Whip said.
Sha
She had quickly learned that not much got past Caleb’s amber eyes.
After everyone had eaten, Caleb and Whip went out to check on the ranch animals. Willow went about her chores, which Sha
The first day set the pattern for the days that followed. Sha
After supper on the fourth day that Sha
Soon the haunting strains of a waltz were floating through the house. Lanterns glowed in shades of sun-bright gold throughout the main room of the house, softening everything their light touched. The spare lines of furniture and handmade rugs were transformed into solid, gracious forms.
Smiling, Whip went up to Willow, bowed with polished grace, and held out his hand to her.
«Madam,» Whip said gravely, «as hostess, the first dance of the evening is yours.»
«I’m not as graceful as I was the last time we danced,» she warned.
Whip’s smile was haunting, almost wistful.
«You’re a beautiful woman, Willow, and never more so than when you’re carrying the child of the love you and Caleb share.»
Willow flushed and smiled and allowed her older brother to help her to her feet. She curtsied with the ease of a woman who had been raised with all the refinements wealth and natural elegance could provide.
When Willow stepped into Whip’s outstretched arms, he held his sister as though she were made of fine, very fragile crystal. Their hair was as bright and golden as candle flames, their eyes gleamed with pleasure, and their steps blended smoothly. Together Willow and Whip glided and turned gracefully through the room while Caleb’s harmonica transformed the night with music.
Sha
But before that time had come, the world had changed. Silks and gowns and balls vanished from Sha
The final notes of the waltz quivered through the air. Sha
«I didn’t know a harmonica could make such beautiful music,» she said in a husky voice.
Caleb smiled slightly. «You’ve lived way off in Echo Basin too long. The only music you have to compare with my harmonica is the howling of the wolves.»
«Would it surprise you to know that I enjoy the wolves’ music — as long as I’m safely inside the cabin?»
«Nothing about a girl who charged a grizzly with an antique shotgun would surprise me.»
The approval in Caleb’s eyes made Sha
«If you can spare time from flirting with my brother-in-law,» Whip said coolly, «we could rest Willow’s feet and dance together.»
«I don’t know how to dance and I wasn’t flir —» Sha
Her words stopped abruptly. The anger she saw in Whip’s eyes made her mouth too dry to speak.
«Rafael!» Willow said, shocked. «Where are your ma
«In his watch pocket,» Caleb suggested dryly, «along with his brains.»
Whip shot him a savage look.
Caleb smiled thinly.
«Save it for Reno,» Caleb suggested. «He’s been waiting for a chance to get even ever since you dumped him on his butt with your Chinese wrestling tricks and then took strips out of his hide for the way he was treating Eve.»
«He had it coming,» Whip said. «He was being a damn fool about not marrying her. Anybody could see it.»
«Except the damn fool involved,» Caleb pointed out. «You might think on that. You might think on it real hard. Then you can apologize to Sha
With that, Caleb winked at Willow and picked up his harmonica. Soon haunting harmonies once again filled the room.
Sha
Whip’s large hand appeared in front of Sha
He smelled of peppermint.
Whip saw the accusation in Sha
«Peppermint,» she said.
«Willow has it planted out back. I picked some for your room while you and Willow were clearing the di
«I — thank you,» Sha
Whip held out his other hand and said softly, «Dance with me.»
Honey girl.
Though Whip didn’t say the words aloud, they were there in the silver blaze of his eyes as he looked at her.
«I d-don’t know how,» Sha
«I’ll teach you, if you’ll let me. Will you let me, Sha
A shiver lanced through her.
«Yes,» she whispered.
«Then come to me,» he whispered in return.
When Sha
Sha
«Put your left hand on my shoulder,» Whip said in a deep voice.
«Like this?»
«Yes. Now, rest your right hand in mine.»
A betraying shiver went through Sha
«Can you hear the beats of the music?» Whip asked.
Sha
«That’s it,» Whip said. «Now, begi
Whip’s grip on Sha
«Are you certain you don’t know how to waltz?» Whip asked, turning swiftly, taking Sha
She laughed and hung on to Whip, trusting him to lead her through the dance. His strength and confidence made learning easy for her.
«I’ve dreamed of dancing like this,» Sha