Healing Montana Love: Bear Grass Springs, Book Eleven by Flightner Ramona

Author:Flightner, Ramona
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-945609-40-4
Publisher: Grizzly Damsel Publishing
Published: 2020-08-31T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9

Charlotte clung to Dalton’s hand as they walked from Cailean’s house to the outskirts of town. MacKinnons flanked them to the front and back, and she felt cocooned by their friendship and support. Strains of dueling fiddles grew louder as each step brought them closer to the dance, and she saw Sorcha swaying from side to side with excitement to finally be in town for the Founders’ Day Dance.

A severe bout of shyness had overcome Charlotte all day after her late-night conversation with Dalton. Even though she had fallen asleep in his arms, she had woken alone, her fingers searching for his warmth and comforting embrace. Until they had departed for the dance, she had only seen him at the midday meal, where he had been occupied, talking with Warren and a few of the brothers. She had enjoyed listening to the women chatter, with no expectation that she would join the conversation. Never had she known such camaraderie. However, she had wished she sat beside Dalton. She missed his quiet companionship and the reassurance of her hand in his.

Now she focused on their short walk. From Cailean’s house, the dance was nearby, just across the main street near the whitewashed church and school. Wagons crowded the area at the outskirts of town, with families traveling in from their nearby ranches and farms. Many would sleep in their wagons, as few could afford a night in the hotel or were fortunate enough to have family in town with room to spare. Charlotte gripped Dalton’s arm, thankful that she had been offered friendship from the MacKinnons and that she was not consigned to an evening sleeping under the stars. With a quick glance down Main Street, she noted that all the businesses, except for the saloons, were closed.

As they approached the dance area, she smiled at the tables laden with food, while an entire section was saved for Annabelle’s and Leena’s baked goods. Children stomped on the grass, an attempt to make the dance floor, although Charlotte suspected their parents were hoping they’d rid themselves of some of their pent-up energy before they got into too much trouble. A few chairs were scattered on the side of the dancing area and also near the food tables, for those who needed to sit. However, most people stood and mingled. All the single women knew they’d be sought out for dancing, as there were far more men than women.

“I never thought so many people would be here,” Charlotte whispered to Dalton.

“Oh, yes. The men from the mining town always come down, and the nearby ranchers and farmers came into town too. It’s why the hotel is so full.” He nodded in the direction of a beanpole of a man. “Mr. Atkins relishes these days, as he can hike up his prices and can charge an arm and a leg for the meager food he serves in his hotel dining room.”

“Why they’d eat there rather than in our café, I’ll never understand,” said

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