Cora's Pride (Wilderness Brides Book 1) by Henderson Peggy L

Author:Henderson, Peggy L [Henderson, Peggy L]
Language: eng
Format: azw
Published: 2016-03-15T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

Cora stepped away from Nathaniel, her eyes searching for whoever had called his name loud enough to surely be heard throughout the fort. A curse word escaped Nathaniel’s mouth as his hand fell away from where he’d held her. He smiled when he obviously recognized whoever had called to him.

Two men dressed similar to Nathaniel walked toward him with long, confident strides. One looked to be slightly older than the other, but the younger one reached them first. A wide grin brightened his features. Judging by his youthful face, he had to be a few years younger than she.

Nathaniel stepped to the side, facing the approaching men. He glanced at her again, a frown of disappointment on his face. Cora studied him. What had he wanted to tell her?

“I think we’re interrupting something, Joseph. What are you doing here, Nate?” The young man slapped Nathaniel’s back while simultaneously holding out his other hand, which Nathaniel shook.

“Lucas,” he greeted, then reached out to clasp the other man’s hand. “Joseph. Nice surprise to see you here.”

“Likewise. We were at Harley’s Hole about ten days ago. Ethan said he was expecting you back any day.”

Cora’s eyes went from the two men to Nathaniel. He smiled easily, making her heart pitter-patter. All traces of his frown from a moment ago vanished. She’d seen him grin at her in amusement, but this was a genuine smile without reservations, which only enhanced his handsome face. Clearly, he knew these men well.

At first glance, the two woodsmen seemed friendly enough. Like Nathaniel, they were of a different breed of mountain men from the unkempt men here at the fort or those she’d encountered previously at Fort Laramie. Despite the fact that they wore buckskins and homespun, they were clean and well groomed. The older one, Joseph, wore his dark hair long like Nathaniel, while Lucas kept his thick mop of raven hair shorter.

Both shot her curious glances. The one named Lucas stared at her openly, his eyes boldly appraising her. He even leaned back slightly. Cora stood straighter, glaring at him. How dare he appraise her like some commodity or cheap harlot?

Next to her, Nathaniel cleared his throat. “Cora, these are friends of mine, Joseph and Lucas Walker.” Turning to them, he said, “This is Miss Cora . . . Hudson.”

Cora’s eyes shot to Nathaniel. He’d called her by her maiden name, a name she’d planned to use again once they reached Oregon. Since her marriage to Ted wasn’t legal, there was no reason why she should keep his last name, but she hadn’t mentioned it to Nathaniel.

“Miss Hudson.” Joseph held out his hand and offered a friendly smile. Cora shook it. The other one grinned at her, then at Nathaniel.

“I’m lost at what you find so funny.” Cora squeezed Lucas’ hand harder than necessary. She leaned forward, her eyes narrowed on him like she would glare at Patrick when he was out of line, even though Lucas Walker stood a good half head taller than she.

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