(My first attempt at something semi-romantic; please R&R.)

xxx

“Will that be all?”

Jade bit her lip indecisively, glancing between a pearly white cloth and a deep purple fabric. She had already bought all she needed, but she had enough to splurge…

But then she wouldn’t have much left. She sighed and shook her head. “Yeah, I suppose I’m done.”

Kendal Rickson placed his hands on the counter and leaned forward with a smile. “Fancyin’ that purple cloth?”

Jade sighed wistfully. “It certainly would be nice…”

His smile widened, and his eyes twinkled. “How much would ye want?”

“Oh, not much. Probably only a couple yards.”

He grinned. After cutting a few yards from the bundle of cloth, he folded it and held it out to Jade.

Her eyes widened, and she looked up at him incredulously. “Mr. Rickson! I can’t accept this!”

“Go ahead and take it. Consider it a gift.”

“But-”

“Take it. I insist. It’s on me.”

Jade fell silent and took the cloth, feeling its soft texture soothe her hands. She placed it in her basket. “Thank you, Mr. Rickson.”

“Don’t mention it.”

“That was very generous of ye, mister,” a strong, smooth voice said.

Jade turned and caught her breath. Seren Fawkes stood only a couple feet away from her with a sack of wheat tucked under one arm and a sack of flour under the other.

Jade subconsciously stepped back and bumped into the counter. Instinct told her to leave while she could. He was a revolutionary, here to cause trouble. But curiosity nailed her feet to the floor. Kindness and gentleness radiated from him, along with an atmosphere of warmth that Jade rarely felt. It was… nice.

“It was me pleasure,” Mr. Rickson replied.

“It truly is more blessed to give than to receive.” He flashed Mr. Rickson a wide smile and plopped the sacks onto the counter. “This is all for today, sir. Thank ye.”

Mr. Rickson rang it up and took Seren’s payment. Exact change.

Seren turned to Jade. “Oh, excuse me. Pardon me manners. I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure.” He bowed deeply at the waist. “Seren Fawkes is me name. I have traveled from afar to bring enlightenment to this dark town.”

“Jade.” She extended her hand, and he pressed it to his lips. A shock of electricity flew from his touch, up her arm and through her body.

“A beautiful name for a beautiful lady,” he said, looking up into her eyes with his incredibly soft, incredibly piercing hazel eyes.

Jade felt heat rising to her cheeks. “Thank you.”

He straightened and smiled. “May I ask what ye do in this town?”

“I make clothes. And tailor them. I needed cloth- that’s why I’m here.”

He smiled. “Sounds like a worthy profession.”

“Well, let’s just say it keeps me busy.” Jade giggled, and Seren laughed too, a laughter that was hearty and light- almost musical.

Jade glanced outside the door, and Luke’s warning suddenly occurred to her. She could imagine his face if he saw her in here, right now, talking to Seren Fawkes.

“What’s wrong?”

Jade shook her head. “I’m sorry, but I’ve got to be going. I still have a lot to do.”

He nodded understandably. “And I’ve got to be goin’ as well.” He took his sacks from the counter and shifted them under his arms before he followed Jade out onto the street. He stopped and turned to her. “We are observin’ the breakin’ of bread later tonight. Would ye like to join us?”

Jade almost fell over. “Excuse me?”

“It’s a time of fellowship and prayer. Yer free to join us if ye want.”

“Um, well… I… I’m busy. But thank you for asking me.”

He grinned. “Me pleasure. I’ll be seein’ ye.”

Jade nodded. “Goodbye.”

She quickly turned and walked in the opposite direction from him, her mind spinning. He was a revolutionary? How could it be? She had always thought revolutionaries were hardened, calloused men of violence, men who cared nothing for anything except themselves. But Seren seemed kind. Gentle.

Human.

Jade shook her head, unable to get rid of the vision of his hazel eyes that filled her mind’s eye. He was a paradox captured in human form. How could such a man- a leader of his own religious movement seemingly full to the brim of conflicting ideas- seem so harmonious and pure?

Jade quickly finished her deliveries and made her way back to her house. She had a bit to do before it was time to get ready. She had better get it all done quickly so she could have as much spare time as possible to get her work done.

Finally, she arrived at the house. It had been two years and it still looked brand new. The townspeople had made it special for them after their previous house had been burned down. It was a simple one-floor home with a kitchen, two bedrooms, a workroom for Widow Nesta, and a tailor room for Jade. It even had a little porch with an awning over it and a porch swing in the corner. As much as Jade had loved their old house, she loved this new one more. As far as she was concerned, it was perfect.

She stepped up onto the porch and walked through the open doorway, but she didn’t see Old Widow Nesta anywhere. She debated closing the door but decided against it. She left it open and stared at it for a moment. Made from hard oak wood brought in from over the mountains and sporting a half-circle window in the top half, it was a beautiful complement to the rest of the house.

“Miss Nesta?”

“I’m back here, Jade. In the workroom.”

Jade walked left, crossing her Tailor Room and passing her and Miss Nesta’s bedrooms before stepping into the workroom. There she found Miss Nesta, sitting in her favorite chair as she knitted socks. Baskets of thread, needles, buttons, and other materials were scattered all over the room, lining the shelf that went around the walls and filling the floor around where Miss Nesta sat.

Old Widow Nesta looked up, and a smile spread across her face. “Ah, hello, Jade!”

“Hello, Miss Nesta.”

“How did yer deliveries go?”

“Fine. How’s your work going?”

“Good, very good. I’m almost done with… what’s wrong?”

“Hmm?” Jade looked back at Miss Nesta.

“Ye seem distracted. Is anythin’ wrong?”

Jade shook her head. “No. I just was thinkin’ about how much I have to get done before goin’ out tonight.”

“Are ye excited?”

Jade’s eyes lit up, and she grinned. “Ooh, I’m very excited!”

“Well, go on then! Work quickly!”

“Thank you, Miss Nesta!” She paused. After a moment, she asked, “Are you fine with me going out tonight? Does Stephen have your approval? If he doesn’t, I don’t want to have anything to do with him.”

Nesta stopped knitting and set it down on her lap, staring at Jade with a warm gaze. She set her creation on her seat as she stood and walked to Jade, talking Jade’s hands in her own. “Jade, Stephen Kelly is a kind, gentle, wonderful man. He has me full approval. Now go out tonight and have a wonderful time.”

Jade grinned and enveloped Nesta in a warm hug. “Thank you! Thank you so much! I will!”

She quickly left the workroom and headed into her own bedroom. She headed to her closet and thumbed through her dresses. Which ones had Stephen already seen her in? She couldn’t think straight. Excitement was scattering her nerves, making her want to skip and dance and twirl all over her room.

She selected a green dress from her closet and held it up against her. Holding it tight, she twirled around and let herself fall back onto her bed with a content sigh. Tonight was going to be the best night of her life.

“Jade?”

Jade bolted up and set the dress next to her. The door! She’d left it open, and Luke stood in the doorway, staring at her. It was the first time she’d noticed a disadvantage of having her bedroom across from the front door with only the kitchen between.

She smiled, and her cheeks turned red. “I was just, um…”

He grinned. “Happy?”

She nodded. “I, uh… I’m going to see Stephen tonight.”

He nodded. “I heard.”

“From who?”

“Stephen.”

They stood in silence for a moment. Jade cleared her throat. “You came to see me?”

“I was wonderin’ if ye could do me a favor.” He pulled a pair of gloves from behind his back, along with a small piece of paper. “Can ye embroider this onto the gloves?”

Jade took them and felt the smooth gloves in her hands. They were very fine material- silk? She looked at Luke questioningly. “How could you afford this?”

A faint smile tugged at his lips. “I pulled some strings.”

“Wow.” Jade looked at the slip of paper. On it was a crude sketch of the rare Snowdon lily, a wildflower that grew in the mountains. Jade nodded thoughtfully. “Yes, it looks like I could do this.”

Luke grinned. “I knew ye could.”

“Who’s it for?”

He cleared his throat. “Um, ye know Elaine?”

“Vaughan?”

He nodded. “Well, I’ve been, um, seein’ her a lot, and…”

“Getting pretty serious?”

He nodded. “I, uh… I think I might propose to her.”

Jade grinned. “That’s wonderful! I’m so happy for you!”

“Thank ye, Jade. And I’m happy for ye too. Stephen is a good man.”

Jade shrugged. “I doubt he’ll propose to me or anything. As of right now, we’re just friends.”

“Not from what I’ve seen. I know that look he gives ye.”

Jade felt color rushing to her cheeks. Luke laughed. “Don’t worry, Jade. He has me approval.”

Jade looked up at him. “Would you want me to marry him?”

“I don’t have a problem with him, if that’s what yer askin’. Are ye thinkin’-”

“No, I’m not.” Jade paused. “I can’t believe how much we’ve grown up.”

Luke shook his head. “I know what ye mean. It seems like just yesterday we were runnin’ around, causin’ trouble… and now here we are, eighteen years old, both lookin’ at possible suitors…”

Jade said quietly, “I can’t imagine myself getting married.”

“I can. Ye’ve had guys chasin’ ye ever since ye were thirteen.”

“Really?”

Luke laughed. “Of course! But they were all so intimidated they were afraid to talk to ye.”

Jade giggled. She had been rather intimidating before. Between her stubbornness and her piercing gray eyes, it was a wonder that she’d had any friends at all.

But she had. Laura Olsen and Luke Drake had seen through her spindly exterior and won their way to her heart. Later, Kevin Gordon had joined them. Those three had been the best friends she had ever had.

But now, Laura was gone. And so was Kevin. Both had been brutally murdered. So now it was just Jade and Luke- as always, and just as it always would be.

“Jade? What are ye thinkin’ about?”

She shook her head. “Never mind. Don’t worry about it.”

“It’s not about me and Elaine, is it?”

“No.”

“She’s remarkable, ye know.”

“She’d better be if you’re interested in her. I have the right to turn her down.”

“Ye like her, don’t ye?”

Jade grinned. “If I didn’t, I would’ve told you already. In a very strong way.”

“I’m sure ye would have!” Luke took a deep breath. “Well, I guess I’d better go and let ye work and get ready for yer big night. Tell me if Stephen tries to pull anythin’ on ye. I know he won’t, but if he does, I’ll hit him so hard he flies over the mountains and into the next town before he knows what hit him.”

“I will, Luke. Thank you.” Jade grinned. “And same for you with Elaine.”

“I guess I’ll see ye later. Thank ye for doin’ the gloves for me.”

“It’s my pleasure. I should be able to get them done by… the middle of next week.”

He nodded. “Sounds perfect.”

Jade stood and left the dress on her bed as she walked him to the door. “Best wishes tonight, Jade,” he said in the doorway. “I hope it all goes well for ye.”

Jade smiled. “Thank you, Luke. Me too.”

He stepped out into the dazzling sunlight, down the steps of their porch, took a few steps to the left and was gone.

Jade smiled. He was the best friend she had ever had. He was absolutely right- it was strange to see how much they had grown.

Jade stepped back inside the house and surveyed her Tailor Room. She had just enough time to get a little work done on that jacket for Mr. Drake before she got ready for her big night.

She took a deep breath and tried to keep her heart from pounding. If she was so excited now, her heart would simply be hammering later.

~~~~~*~~~~~

Knocking echoed throughout the house. Jade quickly finished adjusting her hair and glanced at the clock. He was five minutes early! Her heart began to race. She hastily smoothed her dress and walked to the front door.

She opened it and broke into a wide smile. There stood Stephen Kelly, dressed in his finest suit, grinning with a bouquet of wildflowers in one hand. He extended them to her. “For ye.”

She lifted them to her nose and inhaled their lofty aroma. “Mmm, they smell so good! Thank you! They’re beautiful.”

He pulled a white flower out of the bouquet, snapped off the stem, and gently tucked the flower into Jade’s hair, resting it above her right ear. He stepped back to survey the sight of Jade in her deep green dress and let out a deep breath. “Yer absolutely stunnin’.”

Jade blushed. “Thank you.”

“Are ye ready to go?”

Jade nodded. “I’d better put these in water first.”

She turned and went to some cupboards in the kitchen. Just as she began to look for a vase she heard Miss Nesta behind her. “Aah! Hello, Stephen.”

“Hello, Miss Nesta.”

“What are ye lookin’ for, Jade?”

“A vase.”

“Here, Jade, give the flowers to me. I’ll take care of them for ye.”

“Would you? That would be great.”

“It’s no problem, dear.” Jade gave the flowers to her. “Now go have a great time.”

Jade and Stephen grinned. “We will,” Jade said.

“She’ll be home by ten,” Stephen assured Nesta.

“Thank ye, Stephen, but I trust ye,” Nesta replied. “Take yer time.”

“Thank ye, Miss Nesta.” He turned to Jade and winked. “I’ll still have ye home by ten.” She smiled back at him.

“Have a wonderful time, ye two!” Nesta said as she saw them out the door.

“We will!” they both replied.

“I’ll see you later,” Jade added with a wave. Nesta stood waving in the doorway for a few more moments before she closed the door and went back inside the house.

Jade turned to Stephen as they walked down the porch steps, excitement welling up inside her. “What are we doing first?”

Stephen grinned, and his eyes twinkled. “Ye’ll see. Follow me.”

He took her hand and led her off around the porch, and Jade gasped. Two beautiful mares were tied to the railing of the porch on the side of the house.

Stephen walked up to the black one, leaving Jade to stroke the nose of the brown horse. She rubbed the white patch on its head, and it snorted and nudged her with its nose, twitching its ears. She laughed.

“Do ye like him?” Stephen asked, appearing at her side.

She stroked the soft mane and looked into the deep brown eyes staring out at her from under long lashes. “He’s beautiful.”

“He’s yers.”

Jade stared at Stephen, jaw agape. “You mean it?”

He said nothing but kept standing there, grinning at her.

“Oooh, Stephen!” Jade exclaimed, throwing her arms around him. “Thank you so much! I don’t know what to say!” She heard him laughing over her shoulder, and she laughed too. “Oh, he’s so beautiful! How could I ever thank you enough?”

“I’m glad ye like him.”

“Like him? I love him!” She let go of Stephen and surveyed her horse, looking at his strong muscles rippling under his skin. She ran her hand over his sleek side as she stepped around him. The saddle and bridle looked new! Stephen had gotten all this for her?

“Well, why don’t ye try him out?” Stephen said, his voice low and close to Jade’s ear.

“Can I?”

“Of course!” Stephen helped Jade into the saddle and gave her the reigns. Jade couldn’t help but marvel at the power beneath her. She stroked the soft mane and whispered to him, “You’re a beautiful horse! I’ll be a good owner for you, I promise.” She looked up at Stephen and asked, “What’s his name?”

He grinned at her. “Guess.”

“I’m not going to guess his name!”

“Just say the first one that comes to mind when ye look at him.”

Jade looked down at her horse, took a deep breath, and said slowly, “Dash?”

“Then that’s what his name will be.”

She looked up at Stephen and grinned. “Thank you!” She looked at his horse. “What’s yours named?”

“Shadow,” he grinned. He patted Shadow on the neck lovingly. “He’s the best horse I’ve ever had.”

“I bet.”

Stephen gracefully mounted, then turned Shadow and asked, “Are ye ready?”

“Only if Dash is. Are you ready, Dash?”

Dash shook his mane and neighed. Jade laughed. “I guess we’re both good to… go!” She jabbed her heels in Dash’s sides and galloped away.

She could hear Stephen laugh and break into a gallop behind her. As the landscape sped past, Stephen caught up to her, and they were soon galloping side by side through the fields, laughing with each other.

They finally slowed down to a trot, and Jade laughed as she tried to catch her breath. “Oh, Stephen, he’s fantastic!”

Stephen grinned. “I knew ye’d like him,” he replied through his panting.

“You were right! He’s perfect.”

Stephen grinned at her. “Are ye enjoyin’ yerself so far?”

“You have to ask me that question?”

“I wanted to ask because it’s only goin’ to get better.”

He spurred Shadow into a canter, and Jade followed. “Where are we going?” she asked.

“Ye’ll see,” he replied with a smile.

Eventually Jade saw a large tree. “Is that…” she squinted, unsure of what she saw. She gasped. “It is!”

They reached the tree and dismounted. A blanket was spread over the ground, and on the blanket was a single wicket basket.

Stephen turned to Jade and extended his hand. “Shall I have this picnic?”

Jade grinned and followed him to the blanket, and they sat. As Stephen prayed over the meal, Jade couldn’t wrap her mind around how amazing this night had already been. And it wasn’t half over yet!

They ate with some conversation. Jade could not believe how comfortable and at home she felt with Stephen. He was handsome, kind, smart, and funny… and she found herself having a fantastic time.

Finally, Jade finished her meal and leaned back with a content sigh. “That was delicious! How was it still hot?”

Stephen smiled. “I have me ways.”

Jade laughed. “Well, either way, it was great. Thank you.”

“It was me pleasure. I’m glad ye enjoyed it.” They fell silent and stared up at the sky. Dusk was falling and a few stars were beginning to peek out through the violet sky.

“What do ye say we ride this off?” Stephen asked, standing. He helped Jade mount her horse before mounting his own, and soon they were slowly trotting under a darkening, clear sky.

“It’s a beautiful night tonight,” Stephen said.

“Aye, it certainly is,” Jade replied quietly.

“Ye haven’t said much, Jade,” Stephen observed. “Are ye alright?”

Jade smiled. “I’m fine. If I’m quiet, it’s because I’m wishing tonight would last forever.”

“Me too,” Stephen chuckled. “But the night’s not over yet.”

“What do you mean?” Jade asked.

He grinned and looked into her piercing green eyes. “It can still get a lot better.”

They came to Jade’s house, and Jade felt disappointment settle in her gut. “It’s over already?”

“Not a chance.” They rode past it, and Stephen dismounted on the dirt road. “Want to walk?”

He helped her dismount, and they walked continued down the road until they came to the bridge over the small creek that ran through the town. Jade stopped.

Stephen turned to her. “Jade? What’s wrong?”

“Look.”

The sun had almost completely set, and the sky was dark velvety blue and stippled with stars except for the patches of lighter blue, orange and red that hovered on the horizon. A stunning half-moon was rising, reflecting on the creek that ran beneath their feet, and billions of stars began to glitter above them.

“It’s beautiful,” Stephen said, coming over to stand next to Jade. She nodded. For a minute they stood in the silence, drinking in the sight as the last of the sun set and the moon rose higher above them.

A shooting star flashed overhead. Jade gasped and looked at Stephen. He looked back at her with a huge smile. “Make a wish.”

Jade turned her gaze back to the sky. A wish? She thought for a long moment. Finally, she said, “I’ve made my wish.”

“What is it?”

Jade turned to him and grinned mischievously. “Now, if I told you, it wouldn’t come true, would it?”

He laughed. “I guess yer right.”

Jade looked back at the diamonds above her. She tried to ignore Stephen staring, but she couldn’t.

“Jade, I…” he looked away and cleared his throat.

“What?”

He shook his head and chuckled, as if he were laughing at himself. “Nothin’.”

“No, that wasn’t nothing! Tell me what you were going to say.”

He cleared his throat again and clenched his fists together as he leaned his elbows against the railing. “I never was good at talkin’ about feelin’s.”

Jade gave him a reassuring smile and placed her hands on his. “You can tell me.”

He took a deep breath and looked into her dazzling green eyes. A small smile crept across his face. “Yer incredible, Jade. And… I…”

“What?” Jade whispered.

“I…” he looked down at his hands again. “Never mind.”

Jade’s heart slowed, and she looked away at the water bubbling beneath them, almost disappointed. She wished he would say whatever it was-

“Come on. I have one last surprise for ye.” He took her hand and pulled her away from the rail. They walked toward Main Street, each leading their own horse.

They stepped into the Town Square, and Jade gasped. It was completely deserted except for a small band of a couple violins and a flute.

Francis and Duke, Luke’s younger brothers, came and took their horses from them. The band began to play, and Stephen bowed and extended his hand. “May I have this dance?”

Jade grinned and took it. They danced to the lively tune, going round and round the fountain, with no one alive in the world except them.

The song ended, and Jade stepped back, panting. She brushed a little stray hair behind her ear. Stephen grinned back at her. After a moment, he stepped in close and gently placed her hand on his shoulder. He set his on her waist and softly took her other hand in his own. The flute began a slow, beautiful tune, and the violins soon joined it, and Jade and Stephen began to slow dance.

Jade bowed her head, hoping Stephen couldn’t hear her pounding heart. They slowly danced around the fountain, no words needing to be said, reveling in the moment.

Stephen lowered his head and whispered in Jade’s ear, “What I meant to say earlier is… I love ye.”

Jade nearly stopped breathing. She looked up into his eyes with surprise, and in that split second she could tell he was nervous. Suddenly something deep inside her burst, spreading a warm feeling throughout her body. She smiled and set her cheek on his shoulder.

She knew she felt the same way, but she remained silent, drinking in the music and the silence beyond it. She drank in the ecstasy, the confidence, the... love. She wished more than anything that she could feel forever the feeling she felt right now.

~~~~~*~~~~~

“That one is yers? Boy, someone had a fantastic day yesterday!” Kendal Rickson grinned.

Jade grinned back as she looked out the front window of Kendal’s General Store at her new horse. “It was the best night of my life.”

“I bet. Now, what can I do for ye?”

“Today, it’s more of what I can do for you.” Jade showed him the hand towel.

He let out a low whistle as he reached for it. He looked at it for a moment, running his thumb over the newly embroidered pattern. “Yer the best in Anwen, alright. Here, keep the extra.”

Jade smiled and accepted his coins. “Thank you.”

“No, Jade; thank ye.”

Jade pocketed the coins and bounded out onto the street. She patted Dash’s sleek coat before she lifted the flap on her saddlebag and checked the remains of her deliveries. She didn’t have many today. After two more, she had enough time to go for a ride.

She mounted Dash and rode down Main Street until she came to the North Star Tavern. Owen Jakes, the owner, had requested a special dress for one of his tavern girls. It had taken Jade some time, but she had finally made it exactly the way he had requested.

She dismounted and, after securing Dash, carefully removed the dress from her saddlebag. She pushed open the swinging wood doors and searched for Owen Jakes through the haze of smoke hovering over the room.

“Ah, Jade! Good to see ye.”

Jade smiled as she approached the counter. “I have your order for you, Mr. Jakes.” She set the dress on the counter, next to several empty shot glasses.

He picked it up and ran his eyes over it. He finally nodded his approval. “Looks like ye finally got that seam right.”

Jade nodded. He had made her redo the dress twice already. She said nothing, afraid he might take her words as reason for her to redo it again.

A smile crept across his face. “I think this’ll work just fine.” He dug into his pocket and placed the coins in her hand. “Have a good day, Jade.”

“You too, Mr. Jakes.”

Jade stepped back out into the daylight and took a deep breath of the fresh air. It was a beautiful day, perfect for a ride on horseback. It was amazing how a horse had opened up a new world of freedom for her. Stephen had no idea how perfect his gift was. She ought to tell him later.

“Excuse me, Miss?”

Jade turned and spotted a man jogging toward her. He was a stranger, dressed in traveler’s clothes with a dark hat pulled low over his eyes. His face was gaunt and full of day-old stubble. “Yes?”

“Can ye tell me where yer sheriff’s office is?”

“The sheriff?” Jade repeated. She pointed left. “He’s at the end of Main Street, that way.”

The man nodded. “Good.”

Jade stepped back, suddenly uncomfortable. “Good?”

Something terrible glinted in his eyes. “I want to make sure he don’t see me.”“See you? Why…” her voice died in her throat. She backpedaled and bumped into another burly man behind her.

She glanced around, and her eye caught a man in black mounting her horse.

“No! He’s my-”

Strong hands caught her arms as another clamped over her mouth. She struggled, but they held her fast. The man in black kicked Dash’s sides and began to gallop away.

She tried to scream, but a gag was shoved into her mouth. She fought and kicked as she was dragged into the alley between the tavern and the next building.

A foul-smelling sack was slipped over her head, and she tried in vain to rip it off. She heard the man growl in her ear, “Ye’d make a handsome prize- just like yer horse.”

The scent was making her gag. Suddenly something hit her head, and she felt her knees bend…

Pain throbbed in her head. She moaned.

“There, there, take it easy. Just breathe deeply, ye’ll be okay.”

She frowned, wondering how she knew that voice. After a moment, she forced her eyes open and struggled to focus on the form above her.

Soft hazel eyes. Rugged, handsome features. Sandy blond hair.

“You’re… you’re…”

“Seren Fawkes. Try not to talk. Ye got a nasty hit to yer head.”

“What happened?”

“I’m not sure. I was walkin’ by when I saw ye. It looked like some men were roughin’ ye up.”

Jade closed her eyes, trying to remember. But she couldn’t. She could only remember-

Her eyes shot open. “Dash! Where is he?” She sat up, but Seren eased her back down. She grimaced and submitted.

“Who’s Dash? Yer horse?”

Jade nodded. “This is only my second day having him. I got him last night.”

“He wouldn’t happen to be a brown mare with a white patch on his head?”

Jade gawked at him. “Where is he?”

“Tied in front of the North Star Tavern, closely watched by Owen Jakes himself. If someone even steps close to him, Owen vowed he’ll blow him to pieces.”

Jade couldn’t believe it. “How…?”

“Deputy Flanders got him. Did ye know they stole six other horses? They would’ve gotten quite a bundle of money. But the Deputy rounded up a posse and found them before they left town. The doctor was there and identified yer horse. Everyone’s been lookin’ for ye. I found ye here with a sack on yer head. I think the men were scared away and left ye here by accident. Either way, it was a good thing I found ye when I did- otherwise, it might’ve been too late.”

Jade let it soak in. “I don’t know what to say. Thank you.”

He smiled. “I’m glad I could help.”

Jade pushed herself up to her elbows, and Seren helped her sit up. Drums pounded in her skull.

“Ye need to see a doctor.”

“No,” Jade said shakily. “I’ll be fine in a minute.”

“I don’t think so. Ye got hurt pretty bad.”

Jade closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Nausea began to churn in her stomach. “I don’t feel good,” she said quietly.

“Well,” Seren replied, “I know of someone who can fix that.”

He scooped her up in his arms and carried her toward the clinic. After a minute, Seren knocked on the clinic door. No answer. He knocked again and again, but nothing moved inside.

“Jade! Thank heaven yer safe!”

Seren turned, and Jade opened her eyes to see Stephen Kelly galloping toward them. He quickly yielded Shadow and dismounted. “What do ye think yer doin’?”

Jade bit back her fear at the anger smoldering in his eyes. “I…” Her voice quickly died away as she saw that Stephen was not looking at her, but at Seren.

“Get away from her.”

“Please, Stephen,” Jade mumbled quietly as her eyes drifted closed, each word sending pulses of pain through her head. “He saved me.”

Stephen looked down at her with questioning eyes. “Saved ye?”

“Please, doctor, she needs attention.”

Stephen stared hard at Seren for a long moment. “Alright. But try anythin’, and ye’ll regret it.”

Seren nodded. Stephen quickly unlocked the clinic door, and Seren followed him inside. “Put her on that cot, please,” Stephen said, pointing to a cot against the wall to their left.

Seren gently laid Jade down while Stephen grabbed his medical bag. Stephen returned to Jade’s side, but before he opened his bag, he said to Seren, “Yer help is appreciated. But I think it would be best if ye left now.”

“Please, Stephen, he-”

“It’s alright, Jade,” Seren said. “People will want to know yer alright anyway. I’ll be seein’ ye later.” He turned and headed for the door.

“Thank you,” Jade said quietly. He continued out the door and closed it quietly behind him. Jade wondered if he had heard her.

“Alright then. Let’s get ye taken care of.” Stephen quickly retrieved a glass of water and an apple. When he returned to Jade’s side, he took a small bottle from his bag and shook some white powder into the glass. After stirring it with a spoon, he handed her the glass. “Drink this.”

“What is it?”

“It’s called aspirin. It’ll help yer headache.”

Jade stared at the liquid, then looked back at Stephen questioningly. “Are you sure?”

He smiled reassuringly. “A scientist in Germany made it. It’s been havin’ incredible success.”

Jade lifted it up to her nose and sniffed it, then wrinkled her nose.

Stephen pulled out a pocketknife and cut out a slice of apple. “If ye want me advice, ye might want to hold yer breath or plug yer nose as ye drink it. And try to drink it all at once. It’s pretty bitter.”

Jade nodded. After a moment, she took a deep breath and drained the cup.

“That’s me girl.” Jade gave him the empty glass and winced at the bitter taste. He gave her the slice of apple, and she ate it gratefully.

He pulled out a white cloth and poured some liquid from a dark bottle into it. “I’m sorry, this is goin’ to sting.” He began to gently wipe her forehead, and Jade closed her eyes and let out a slow breath through her teeth.

“Almost… done.” Jade opened her eyes as he pulled away the cloth. Splotches of red covered it.

Shock jolted through her. She must look awful! No wonder Stephen had reacted the way he had.

Stephen pulled a roll of white bandages out of his bag and began to wrap a strip around Jade’s head. “I want ye to spend the night here. Ye got a concussion. Ye aren’t out of the woods yet.”

“When can I go home?”

“Probably tomorrow. Once ye make the night, ye ought to be fine.” He finished the bandage and began to pack his bag.

“Thank you, Stephen.”

He closed his bag and stared at his hands for a moment. “I was really worried about ye. I’m glad ye’ll be alright.”

Jade closed her eyes. “I couldn’t believe how relieved I felt when I saw you ride up.”

“I’ve never been so scared in me life than when I saw yer horse among the others,” Stephen said quietly. “I’m so glad yer safe.”

Jade frowned. “Miss Nesta will want to know where I am. I’m going to have to tell her what happened. She’ll be very worried.”

“And rightfully so.” Stephen let out a deep breath. “Well, I can send a message to her as soon as possible so she doesn’t worry about ye. In the meantime, ye need to get some rest. I’ll keep a close watch on ye throughout the night.”

Jade nodded and let her heavy eyes drift shut. “Thank you, Stephen.”

She felt his thumb brush against her cheek, then stroke some hair from her face. He whispered into her ear, “Yer welcome, Jade. I’m glad yer alright.”

Jade barely heard him. She relaxed, feeling his touch caress his face, as she surrendered herself to a world of shaken dreams.