Love Unexpected

Chapter 7

Kasey couldn't tell if the woman desperately clinging to him had a death wish or was just plain stubborn. He pondered, wondering just who goes out riding when there is a storm coming. Only this bullheaded woman did. He mentally retorted.

 Panic had shot through him when Ray had worriedly drawn to his attention Halyn venturing out despite his warnings. Although he worried, Kasey had decided to patiently wait for her return, his tongue itching to give her an earful but instead, Bambi had been the only one to come back without the insufferable woman. Dread had filled Kasey and almost drove him to insanity as he quickly set off to look for her, fearful something bad had happened to her.

Kasey couldn't help but say a prayer of thanks to the God above, grateful he had found her when he did and hoped they could reach the cabin before the rain intensified. Returning to the ranch would have been a better option but the tree that broken down on the trail posed as a hindrance, leaving the cabin the closest shelter available. Although it was getting hard to see, Kasey knew they were getting closer.

It soon came into view and it didn't take long before they got there. The small log cabin with a shed attached surrounded by sugar pine trees had been built log by log by Chayton himself. It had served as a home away from home during those moments the man had needed time and space to himself to connect with nature and his ancestors. Although  Kasey had been intrigued, he had never fully understood all that Native "stuff" and had not bothered to delve further. He had been okay with being the only one who knew of the cabin's existence and its location, which goes to prove just how much the man had trusted him.

Kasey pulled on the reins and steadied the beast who had been burdened with the weight of both man and woman in front of the entrance. A gentle shake drew Halyn's—who clung to him like a sloth to a tree–attention to him.

"Quick, get inside." Kasey bellowed above the noise of the rain.

Unfocused eyes slowly lifted to peer at him for a second before gingerly complying with Kasey's help. Like a mother hen, he watched till Halyn, brisk with her steps disappeared inside before leading the horse to the shed. Skillful hands hurriedly worked to unsaddle and tie Black up, before throwing an old blanket over him. Kasey was thankful for Chayton's thoughtfulness as he prepped some hay for the animal before making a quick retreat to the cabin.

The door scornfully creaked as he entered. It was dark inside save for the occasional lightning that flashed across the sky and shed some of its white light to the room. That little bit of illumination was enough to aid Kasey outline the figure of Halyn against the wall to the left, with her hands around her midriff, shaking like a leaf. Concerned, he hurriedly reached for the box of matches on the wooden table in the middle of the room and managed to get two lanterns lit despite his wet hands.

With the room well illuminated, Kasey had a clearer view of Halyn now which prompted him to inquire about her wellbeing.

"Are you okay?" Pale green eyes leered.

"Do I look okay to you? I am wet and cold and tired so no I'm not okay." Halyn bitterly blurted out despite her current condition. And even in the dimly lit room, the coldness in her eyes did not go unnoticed.

Kasey had to hand it to her for her tenacity in keeping up with her attitude even in such a dire condition. Her ability to still snap at him was laudable and was highly expected given what had happened yesterday. He let out a soft chuckle accompanied by a slight shake of his head before he made his way towards the small bed in the room to pick up the blanket. There was no wood to start a fire and a blanket was the only option of warmth; although Kasey wasn't short of other means. In as much as Halyn annoyed him to unmerited degrees, he just couldn't watch her freeze to death.