Carol Finch by Oklahoma Bride

Author:Oklahoma Bride [Bride, Oklahoma]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Just before dusk, Karissa saddled the plodding gray mare, grabbed Sergeant’s reins and headed for the fort. She sincerely hoped she could return Rafe’s horse without having to see him with his fiancée.

Although Karissa kept telling herself that her infatuation with Rafe was a waste of emotion, his memory would forever be attached to the thrilling moment when she had claimed the homestead. He had been there to share her elation. He had prevented that sneaky claim-jumper from stealing her property. He had also been there to offer his swift horse and his pistol for her protection.

“Since when did you become a hopeless romantic?” Karissa muttered at herself as she rode northwest. She was the farthest thing from a fairy-tale princess, even if she had begun to perceive Rafe as her Prince Charming. “He doesn’t belong to you, nor you to him. Accept that and get on with your life.”

After bolstering herself, Karissa reached the garrison. There was only a skeleton crew of soldiers on hand to greet her. Most of the cavalry was still patrolling the new territory. She had nearly made it around the perimeter of the parade grounds to reach the stables when Vanessa Payton, dressed in one of her eye-catching gowns, walked from the officers’ quarters. Damnation, talk about lousy timing, Karissa thought glumly. This was one individual she preferred not to encounter.

Vanessa broke stride when she noticed Karissa. She looked down her nose at Karissa’s faded cotton gown and sniffed disapprovingly at the very idea of a woman straddling a horse. Her gaze narrowed when she realized Karissa was leading Rafe’s prize gelding.

“You have nerve,” Vanessa sneered as she closed the distance between them. “I don’t even have to ask how you repaid my fiancé for the use of his horse. I distinctly remember telling you that I never wanted to lay eyes on you again.”

“Believe me, Vanessa,” she countered, “nothing would make me happier, either. I have enemies for whom I have developed fonder affection.”

Vanessa thrust back her shoulders and emitted a hissing oath that condemned Karissa to a place where the hottest of climates prevailed.

Karissa thought it was a crying shame that a woman who looked like a grounded angel, with her vivid blue eyes and shiny blond hair, had been cursed with a vile personality. Of course, Rafe wouldn’t be privy to Vanessa’s waspish tongue and condescending glares. He probably had no idea that Vanessa was a full-fledged witch in hiding.

In her opinion, the one true lady in the area was Amanda Baxter, who was an eternal optimist and rarely had an unkind word to say to—or about—anyone. Amanda should be the one who was dressed in elegant finery, sporting expensive jewels and receiving preferential treatment.

Karissa smiled wryly, picturing Vanessa in her rightful place as a harried, gray-haired old hag who spent the better part of her days croaking incantations over her boiling caldron, burning her tongue on her hot brew and flying around on her broom.

“And what can you possibly find so amusing?” Vanessa snapped as she jerked Sergeant’s reins from Karissa’s hand.

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