Reckless Desire by Madeline Baker Read Free Book Online Page A

hands tight upon the reins as they waited for the signal to begin. Lancaster fired his pistol and sixteen horses surged forward, their hooves churning up a great cloud of yellow dust.
    It was a long race, plotted for speed and endurance. From the churchyard, the riders would head past the schoolhouse to the far end of town where they would cross the river, then follow the narrow trail along the river back toward town. Crossing the river again, they would round a sharp bend in the road and finish back at the churchyard.
    The horses were bunched as they headed past the schoolhouse toward the edge of town. As they neared the river crossing, I could see that Hawk, Shadow, and Jeremy Brown had pulled ahead. Heyoka and the blue roan plunged into the water without losing a stride, but Jeremy Brown’s big black gelding hesitated for a moment, and Gene Smythe rushed past him. Reaching the far side of the river, Gene’s horse lost its footing in the mud and went to its knees. Jeremy Brown gave a victory shout as his horse leaped up the bank and back into third place. The other riders all made it safely across the river, lashing their mounts in an effort to catch Shadow and Hawk.
    Heyoka and the blue roan were running neck and neck along the narrow river trail. My hand went to my heart as they approached a large log that lay across the trail. Heyoka and the blue cleared the obstacle effortlessly and I wished I could capture that moment forever. It would have made a beautiful picture, the horses rising gracefully into the air, heads high, forelegs tucked under, the riders leaning over their horses’ necks, their faces intent.
    The air was filled with yells and cheers as the townspeople hollered for their favorites. Pa was yelling so loud I thought his lungs would burst. One time he shouted for Shadow, the next for Hawk. Victoria had her hands clasped together, and I heard her murmur, “Faster, Hawk, faster!” Rebecca’s clear brown eyes were shining with excitement. In my heart I knew she was cheering for Shadow. Once, the thought would have made me jealous, but no more.
    For a short time the riders were out of sight behind a stand of timber, and then we saw them again. Shadow was in the lead, with Hawk close behind. The remainder of the riders were strung out behind them. Jeremy Brown was still in third place, Gene Smythe in fourth. I couldn’t make out the others.
    My heart swelled with pride as I watched my husband and my son. They rode superbly, their bodies in perfect rhythm with their horses. There were no better horsemen in all the world than the Cheyenne, I thought. Not even the Comanche could beat them, though they came close, I admitted, and then smiled. I was a bit prejudiced, after all.
    As they splashed through the river, Shadow lifted one hand over his head and cut loose with the Cheyenne victory cry. The sound, long, ululating and loud, filled my soul with such joy I could not contain it, and the thrill of it poured out of me in an exuberant shout of my own as I ran forward to meet Shadow.
    He did not slow down as he thundered toward me. I heard several people gasp as Shadow leaned over Heyoka’s side, reached out one long arm, and grabbed me around the waist. With ease he swung me onto Heyoka’s back, and then we were racing away from the churchyard.
    I laughed as the wind stung my cheeks, remembering a day long ago when Shadow had swept me onto his horse’s back. I had been young and frightened that day, but I was not frightened now, only tingling with anticipation as he guided Heyoka into the pine forest that grew thick along the edge of the river.
    Pulling the lathered stallion to a halt, Shadow swung me to the ground, kissed me soundly on the mouth, and then began to dry the horse with a handful of grass.
    With a wry grin, I sat down on the ground to wait. First things first, I mused, and watched as Shadow dried Heyoka, then walked the horse until it was cool.
    “My turn now?” I asked as he tethered the