Defiant Heart by Tracey Bateman

Author:Tracey Bateman [Tracey Bateman]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780061743542
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2007-02-17T05:00:00+00:00

Ten

The setting sun cast a glorious red glow over the still waters of the Big Blue River. Blake breathed in a grateful burst of fresh, cool air as his mind replayed the image of Fannie and Kip struggling for air—for life itself—this afternoon. Conflicting emotions warred within his breast. On one hand he wished he’d stuck to his guns and never allowed the strong-willed woman to join the train. On the other hand, he couldn’t stop thinking about the fiery red curls clinging to her face and neck as she stared at him with stormy eyes insisting she had no choice but to try and save her brother, no matter the risk to her own life. Admiration warred with aggravation. Attraction with frustration. He tried to push her out of his mind as he mounted Dusty and began his nightly ride through the wagon train to assure himself all was well.

“Good evening, Mr. Tanner,” came a sweet voice as he passed the Cooper wagon. A rush of heat hit Blake’s neck as he spotted Edna Cooper. Looking closer, he noted she was alone, so he waved, replied to her greeting in kind, and continued his ride through the camp without pausing for conversation. He saw her face cloud with disappointment as he passed, and regret shifted through him. He hated to make any woman feel slighted. The girl was uncommonly pretty. Submissive and gentle. A good cook and a good mother. Everything Blake was looking for. He had shown her plenty of attention the first couple of weeks of their journey. But the last couple of weeks…well, Fannie had come into his life, and since then, as much as he hated to admit the truth, he couldn’t think of anyone but her. Of course, Fannie would be the last person he’d be likely to marry. She wore trousers for one thing. Tried to be too independent and manly. Although she did look sort of nice in the britches. But they put ideas into a man’s head that ought not be there. And, he’d noticed how they made the other women in the wagon train uncomfortable.

Sam joined him on his mare. “Mrs. Cooper doesn’t look happy that you didn’t stop and speak with her.”

Blake shrugged. “No time tonight. I’m sure she understands.”

“Women typically don’t understand when a man stops showing interest for no apparent reason.”

“I have a reason.” Blake winced and wished he could draw the impulsive words back.

“Miss Fannie.”

It wasn’t a question, more like an observation. Humiliated that he’d been so transparent of late, Blake figured he should take this time to set his friend straight. “Yes, Fannie. Since she joined us, I’ve been busy getting her out of one mess or another until I’m too distracted even to think about courting another woman.”

There, he’d said enough of the truth to pull Sam’s thoughts away from any romantic connection between Blake and Fannie.

“I see,” Sam said.

“Fannie’s a heap of trouble. I’m thinking of dropping off the whole group, including Toni, at the next hole of a town we come to.

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