Read Beyond The Horizon for Free Online Page A

his fellow travelers thought he had lost his mind. What did a half-breed know about birthing?
    “I’ll assist you,” Mrs. Wilson offered, her lips pressed tight in disapproval.
    “You’re exhausted, Mrs. Wilson, and so are you, Mrs. Cormac,” Blade said dismissively.
    Blade glanced around the circle of people gathered around the Johnson wagon, aware that propriety demanded another woman be present during the birth. He scanned the faces staring at him, some with awe, others with outright distrust, and settled on one. “Miss Branigan is close to Mrs. Johnson. She’ll do just fine.”
    Surprised, Shannon stepped forward, more than eager to do whatever was necessary to help Callie.
    “But Miss Branigan is unwed,” Mrs. Cormac complained, shocked to the core. “It’s not proper.”
    “I have several younger brothers and sisters, and childbirth is no mystery to me,” Shannon declared stoutly. Turning on her heel she climbed into the wagon, followed closely by Blade.
    Shannon knelt beside Callie, who lay moaning softly on a sweat-soaked pallet. Deep purple shadows marred the delicate skin beneath her eyes and it was obvious her strength was swiftly ebbing.
    “Callie, can you hear me? It’s Shannon.”
    Callie opened her eyes, grasping desperately for Shannon’s hand. “Am I going to die?” Her fear was stark and real.
    Shannon and Blade exchanged worried glances. “No, of course not. Blade has come to help you.”
    “Blade?” Callie asked, confused.
    “I can help you, Mrs. Johnson—Callie—if you let me,” Blade said. “Do you trust me?”
    Callie shifted her gaze from Blade to Shannon, then back to Blade. She wanted her baby, wanted to live, and found only one answer. “I trust you, Blade.”
    Flashing a reassuring smile, Blade stuck his head through the wagon flap, issuing crisp orders. “Hot water and strong lye soap.”
    When they arrived he told Shannon to sit beside Callie and hold her hand. Shannon complied without question while Blade thoroughly washed his hands and arms. When he was ready he began talking to Callie in low soothing tones, telling her what he was going to do and not to be afraid.
    Shannon held her breath as Blade carefully inserted his hand into Callie’s body, examining the position of the baby. He grunted in satisfaction when he discovered the problem and then proceeded to turn the infant into the right position for birthing. Callie screamed once, twice, panting from the pain. From that point things moved along swiftly and shortly afterwards the baby slid effortlessly into Blade’s big hands.
    “It’s a boy,” he said, handing the child to Shannon. Then Blade climbed out of the wagon, satisfied to let the women take over. Within seconds he had disappeared into the encroaching darkness.
    Later that night Shannon sought out Blade. No matter what she thought about him personally, the man had saved Callie’s life and received little thanks for his efforts. Having learned he was on guard duty that night, she found him leaning against a tree some distance from the perimeter of the camp.
    He looked as if he were totally relaxed, but Shannon detected a constant alertness in his gaze and stance. He seemed aware of every noise and movement, knowing the precise moment Shannon neared.
    “What are you doing roaming about this time of night?” Blade asked, frowning.
    It was as if he had conjured her up, for he had been thinking of her and how she hadn’t turned squeamish or appeared shocked when he did what he had to do to save Callie and her child.
    “I—I want to thank you. For what you did for the Johnsons. Callie would have died if you hadn’t offered to help and known what to do.”
    “I told you before, I’m responsible for every person on the wagon train. I do what I have to do.”
    “How did you know what to do?” She hadn’t meant to be so nosy, but curiosity got the best of her.
    “Indians know many things,” he replied. His cryptic words told her little.
    What he