Free MM02 - Until Morning Comes by Peggy Webb Page B

lingered, waiting. He held out one hand, and she ran to him. One arm swung out and pulled her onto the stallion, then they raced away into the night.
    She was aware of thundering hooves and a rhythmic rocking motion. Colter was an expert horseman. She leaned against him with complete trust. The rhythm changed and the stallion slowed down, almost to a halt.
    “Turn, Jo Beth. Put your arm around my neck.”
    Automatically she obeyed. Colter lifted her and swung her around, astride his lap. She gasped. Her gown settled down around them, and Colter urged the stallion forward once more.
    They rode through the night. With one arm around Jo Beth's waist and the other on the stallion's halter, Colter guided them both. The tepee rose up, large in the warm, dark night. And still they rode. All the rhythms of the earth seemed concentrated in the three of them—the stallion, the wild Gray Wolf, and his pretty Yellow Bird.
    When they reached the stream in the foothills of the mountains, Colter brought them to a halt. Jo Beth leaned her head against his shoulder.
    “I couldn't stay away, Jo Beth.”
    “And I couldn't refuse to come.”
    He brushed her damp hair back from her face and kissed her forehead. “We can work everything out.”
    He helped her from the stallion. She stood beside the stream, listening to the rushing sound of water while Colter tethered the horse. He came up behind her, circling his arms around her waist.
    “Are you cold, Jo?”
    “Not as long as I have you to keep me warm.”
    He pressed his face into her hair. “Do you want to talk?”
    “Not yet.” She leaned against him, taking comfort from the steady beat of his heart and the steady strength of his arms.
    He cradled her, crooning a soft song in his native tongue.
    “Warm me, Colter.”
    He led her to his blanket. There was no slow unveiling this time, but a haste made necessary by clamoring need. Theirs was a fierce joining, a coming together that sought to shut out the world. Their problems were forgotten in the frenzy of passion.
    And when it was over, when they lay wrapped in a close embrace with only the moon to cover them, they talked.
    “Tell me about your home, Jo. Do you live with your parents?”
    “No. I have a small house across town from them, and they have round-the-clock help, but I don't like to depend on strangers for their care. I take them on assignment whenever I can.”
    “There have been studies done of people like your father. I know you take good care of him and that nothing can take the place of a child's love, but it has been proven that strict routine is the best possible care.”
    She sat up. “Nursing homes?”
    “Sometimes.”
    “Never. I will never send him off to one of those places with cold tiles on the floor and indifferent people behind their almighty desks, dispensing false sympathy and big bills.”
    “I'm not suggesting that you should, at least not yet. But when the time comes, I hope you'll give the nursing homes a fair assessment. I think you'll change your mind. There are many loving and caring people out there who are also trained to take care of people like Silas.”
    She stood up. “Take me back, Colter. This is no solution, this is outrage.”
    “Jo. Hear me out.” He reached for her, pulling her back down. He cuddled her against his chest, stroking her hair. “I'm trying to speak not as your lover but as an objective professional.”
    “I don't need professional objectivity. He's my father.”
    “I know that, Yellow Bird. I know that.” He rocked her in his arms a while, then reached for his denim shirt. “Give me your arms, sweetheart.” He helped her into the shirt. While she fastened the buttons, he pulled on his jeans.
    She gave him a sheepish grin and went straight to his arms.
    “Sometimes when I don't get enough sleep I'm mean and irrational.”
    “I have a cure.” He smiled.
    “Not yet.” She pressed her forehead against his shoulder. “I'm ready to listen now.”
    “Jo Beth,