A Less Convenient Path (Convenient Risk Series Book 3) by Sara R. Turnquist

Author:Sara R. Turnquist [Turnquist, Sara R.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical Romance, Women's Fiction, Victorian Era, 19th Century, Forever Love, Bachelor, Single Woman, Love Possibility, Frontier-Pioneer Era, Cowboy & Western Romance, Hearts Desire, American West, Clean & Wholesome, Christian Stories, Faith Based, Inspirational Reads, Love Inspired, Life-Changes, Second Chance Reunion, Honesty & Trust, Home & Family, Lifetime Love, Romantic Schemes, Love-Family & Forever, Action & Adventure, Family & Domestic Life, Young Child-Brother, Small Town & Rural Area, Convenient Risk Series, Native American History, Native American Heritage, Multicultural, Native Reservation
Publisher: Clean Reads
Published: 2019-08-26T04:00:00+00:00

They neared the ranch, and Cutie breathed out his relief. They would be able to attend to any injuries Mariena had incurred.

She stiffened. Why?

With the arm he used to secure her to him, he pressed with gentle movement, encouraging her to ease back against him.

Her body resisted.

True, she had seemed angry after falling, but he assumed she had been stung more than anything. He hoped the ride would calm her ire. Apparently, it did not.

Would she let this create distance between them once more?

He slowed the horse, and she trembled. His heart sank. This excursion had only intensified her fear of the animals.

When the mare came to a halt, he paused, wanting to assure her that all was well. He leaned forward, preparing to speak soothing words to her.

“Why the wait?” Her words bit.

Should he be deterred, or fight for those more endearing interactions he knew they had—and could have?

“I only want to be sure you are comfortable.” He spoke softly, his face close to her ear.

She shivered. Did he affect her even now?

Jerking her head to the side, so he saw her in profile, she said, “I am not comfortable. I am sore. And I do not like horse.” Her voice broke on the last word. She turned away. What did she not wish him to see?

He released the pommel and his arm closed around her waist.

She pushed it away. “I would like down. Now.”

That stung. He pulled his arms back and dropped from the saddle. Then, reaching for her, he secured her dismount. But he did not attempt to linger in the moment with her.

He stepped back and turned away. What was this anger? Why so great? The accident had not been his fault. It wasn’t as if he spooked the horse.

“I will send Cook out to tend to you.” He called, but he didn’t look back.

She spoke no further nor did she make a sound. There was no indication she heard or cared.

Perhaps he should see her to the porch. Would she welcome his help? No, this was best.

Stepping into the house, he called for Cook.

Clanking metal coming from the kitchen was his only answer.

He stopped beside the dining table. Why would he go no further? His whole body had become deflated. There wasn’t much left in him.

“Cook!” he hollered.

She stepped through the doorway between the dining room and kitchen. “Land sakes, Cutie, you look a mess!”

Glancing down at himself, he noted that he was, in fact, covered in dirt. From having Mariena’s back against his chest? He shrugged. What difference did it make?

“Mariena needs…tending.” He winced at the last word.

“Where is she?” Cook’s wide eyes and dropped mouth asked what he already wondered himself—why wasn’t he seeing to his wife? Why had he left her alone?

The door behind him opened.

He turned.

Dan’s back was the first thing he saw.

No.

Please, God, no.

As he turned, Cutie saw Dan holding Mariena’s hand, an arm around her back. The door slammed behind them and Mariena jumped, crying out in pain as she did so.

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