Forever’s Promise by Missouri Vaun

Author:Missouri Vaun
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
Published: 2023-07-02T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty

Charlotte set her bag, some blankets, and a lunch basket in the back of the buckboard. Ned and Dusty grazed nearby, not yet hitched to the wagon. The spring rains had cleared, and Wes thought the road might be in good enough condition to make the trip to Hollister. They’d spent a week together and had settled into a friendly rhythm of cohabitation. That week further convinced Charlotte that her plan could work. Charlotte smiled, thinking of how much had changed in a week. She was safe and she had Wes to thank for sheltering her. As far as anyone else was concerned, she would be a married woman before the baby really started to show.

Wes was out checking some things around the farm before they were going to leave because they expected the trip to take at least two days, maybe three. If the circuit preacher wasn’t in Hollister, then they’d have to travel as far as Emporia to get legally married. Maybe that would be even better. Wes didn’t know anyone in Emporia and neither did she.

Movement caught her attention. A rider was approaching. Should she get the rifle? Should she call for Wes? She scanned the homestead but didn’t see Wes. She was likely out in the field, far from view. Before fear could fully set in, the rider waved.

“Hello there.” His greeting was friendly.

“Hello.” She stood with the wagon between them as he drew closer.

“I’m Ben Caufield.” He didn’t dismount. He was holding something in one hand that was covered with a cloth. He had a gentle manner about him and a kind face well-tanned by the sun. “My wife Maddie and I have the place just south of here.”

“It’s nice to meet you.” She remembered now that Wes had talked about the Caufields. She allowed her nerves to calm. “I’m Charlotte.”

“Is Wes around?” Ben seemed surprised to see her. And unsure of what to do next.

“I’m guessing he’s out in the field. Shall I fetch him?” Charlotte was careful to use the right pronouns, even though now she knew the truth.

“No need.” Ben held the dish out to her. “My wife sent this for Wes. It’s a sweet potato pie.”

“Thank you so much.” Charlotte accepted the gift. “I’ll be sure and let Wes know you came by.”

“I’ll let Maddie know there’s a woman on the place. She’ll be so happy to hear that Wes isn’t alone.” He seemed momentarily embarrassed that he’d said too much. He cleared his throat. “She’ll be happy to have another woman nearby.”

“I would be very pleased to meet her.” Charlotte held the pie with both hands. It smelled delicious. “I just recently arrived by stage from St. Louis.” She felt like she needed to reveal some small detail of how she came to be there.

“Oh, I suppose you met Wes when he and Clyde worked in St. Louis?” He seemed pleased that he was putting this puzzle together.

“Yes.” She figured a white lie wouldn’t hurt. She had no idea Wes had worked in St.

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