Always, Stone by Nan O'Berry

Author:Nan O'Berry [O'Berry, Nan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-03-14T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

The next day, Stone checked the cinch on the mount Brett chose.

Sensing the upcoming run, the bay shifted on his feet.

“Easy,” Stone whispered close to the horse’s head and paused to place a hand on the animal’s neck.

“I see he’s ready to run.”

Stone turned to see Brett standing in the doorway, the mocha over his shoulder. “Kind of wished you hadn’t drawn Tempest.”

Brett looked at the slim bay, his coat shinning with perspiration from the nervous anticipation of his run. “He may be a handful, but he’s got speed. I’m going to need that taking that old trail.”

Stone nodded. “Just be sure to tackle that high passage in the daylight.”

“Right.”

Stone pulled one last time on the cinch. “Ready?”

“I guess.”

Stone stepped to the horse’s head.

Brett tossed the mail pouch over the saddle.

Stone waited as his friend tugged it into place. “Nervous?”

Brett looked down at the stirrup before turning to meet Stone’s gaze. “I’d be a fool if I wasn’t.” He shoved a riffle into the scabbard. “Just a little extra weight.”

Stone grinned.

With the horse between them, they walked out into the weak morning sunlight. A brisk breeze stirred the dust along the street.

Ahead of them, Levi Hawkins stood, his back to them, as he gazed up the street.

The door to the house opened and a figure rushed from inside. Anna Hawkins carried a small bag as she moved down the front stairs toward Brett. “Oh good, you haven’t left yet.”Her words sounded rushed and out of breath as she skidded to a stop.

Brett’s hand shot out and grabbed her shoulders to keep her from toppling over. “Hang on there, Little Bit, you can’t go running at Tempest. That horse don’t know if you’re friend or foe.”

Anna paused to brush a piece of hair from her face. “I – Momma made you a sandwich.” She thrust the brown paper wrapped square toward him. “It’s last night’s roast,” she added.

Brett took it and pretended to marvel at it. “I was kind of hoping for piece of fried chicken.”

Her expression seemed to fall. “I can go back.” She reached out. “I think there might be something left.”

Brett pulled the sandwich back out of her reach. “Don’t you go being an injun giver, Little Bit. I think I’ll like this just fine.” He slid the sandwich inside his shirt for safe keeping. “Did you make the bread?”

Anna beamed. “I did.”

Brett looked to Stone. “I sure hope that don’t put me over my weight limit.”

Stone ducked his head, knowing there would be a reaction from her.

Anna’s eyes widened. She blinked as his words settled in, only then did her anger show. “Brett, you take that back.” She took a swipe at his shoulder.

Laughter erupted.

Brett grabbed her shoulders and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “You take care of Whitney for us and save a dance for me.”

Anna nodded.

“All right. Rider up,” Levi called as he slipped his pocket watch into his vest. Making his way over to them, he stood by his daughter.

Brett vaulted into his saddle.

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