A Headstrong Woman(49)

“Tristan sure turned out to be a much needed ally tonight,” Sparky mused.

“He did, maybe I misjudged him, but I know that Elijah didn’t fully trust him.”

“That’s because he was interested Alexandria as well I would guess,” Sparky suggested.

“Tristan’s alright I suppose but when he pursues Alexandria, and he will; I wouldn’t let him anywhere near her,” Rusty cautioned as he urged his horse forward. “Let’s get this place settled back down so Jonathon can see Alex home,” Rusty suggested.

The men rode off with Rusty and Jonathon considered the man’s words. He had a feeling they had been meant for him. What he wanted to know was what he was supposed to do if Tristan did start coming around? He was in over his head he realized. He looked down at Alexandria and for the first time she met his gaze.

“You okay?” he queried. She shuddered but nodded. “Let’s get you home,” he urged Raven forward.

Alexandria could feel her heart gradually slowing and her breathing leveling off. Never had she experienced anything like this night. Her strength seemed spent, gone; nothing left but numbness of thought and body. Beneath her ear Jonathon’s heart beat steadily and evenly giving some semblance of order to her world. His strong muscles contrasted with her momentarily useless ones and Alexandria allowed herself a few moments of weakness as they made their way home.

They arrived at the house and were greeted by Anna and Millie as they rushed onto the porch. Jonathon swung from his saddle and reached up for Alexandria to carry her into the house. Anna cried out when she saw the blood on her sister.

“She’s okay; it’s not her blood,” Jonathon quickly assured her.

“What happened?” Anna demanded. Jonathon quickly briefed her. Millie prepared a bath and once the water was ready, Anna led her sister upstairs.

Jonathon turned to go but stopped when he spotted Lilly huddled halfway up the lower portion of the back stairs; she had tears streaming down her small face.

“Hey sweetheart, are you okay?” he asked as he reached for her. She readily allowed him to take her.

“Is Mama hurt?” she asked.

“Your mommy had a scare but she’s okay. Have you ever been scared but then found that you were okay?” he asked her.

She nodded, but her eyes remained wide. “Aunt Anna was crying too.”

“She was scared for your mommy but she’s okay, everyone was scared but we’re all okay,” he reassured her. Lilly buried her face in his neck and clung to him for dear life.

“Can you show me which room is yours?” he requested. Lilly nodded and pointed up the stairs. Jonathon smiled as he climbed the stairs and Lilly showed him to her room.

Jonathon claimed the rocking chair that was pulled near the fireplace and softly sang her one his favorite lullabies from his own child hood. He watched as Lilly’s eyes grew heavy and felt his heart constrict. He wanted children of his own, wanted them badly and that meant letting go of Emily. For the first time since her death that seemed possible. Jonathon laid his head back and struggled for a moment with his own fears before determining to move on. He wasn’t sure how long he had been sitting there, Lilly asleep in his arms, or when he had started crying but was startled to find he was when the door to Lilly’s room opened.

“Jonathon?” Alexandria, wrapped in her warmest dressing gown, entered the room; her hair was freshly washed and braided.

“I found Lilly huddled on the back stairway,” he related.

“Anna thought she was still in bed but I had to check on her,” Alexandria explained as she entered the room. “Are you alright?” she asked and Jonathon realized she had seen his tears. He nodded. “Was…was the baby you lost with Emily the first to be still born?” Alexandria asked gently.

“Sarah, we had agreed to name her Sarah if it was a girl,” Jonathon related. “No, we buried two others, the other pregnancies ended before there was anything to show for them.”

“I’m sorry, Jonathon,” Alexandria offered softly.

“I’ll be alright,” he assured her. “Would you turn her covers back?” he stood with Lilly.

Alexandria moved to do as he asked and stepped aside as Jonathon laid Lilly in her bed. “Thanks for taking care of her.”

“I enjoyed it. Good night, Alexandria,” he said as they faced each other in the dim light of the fireplace.

“Thanks, for everything.”