Most Unsuitable Courtship by Clemmons Caroline

Author:Clemmons, Caroline
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: historical romance texas tennessee western 1885 central texas series healer ranch
Publisher: Caroline Clemmons

Chapter Fifteen

Storm watched Rena adjust her britches and felt his body respond to the tempting sight of her shapely hips encased in tight fabric.

“At least I will appear a man from a distance, but it will have to be a long way from me.”

She walked to the bed, her hips swaying provocatively. “I’ll carry Lottie. Maybe she will stay asleep on the first part of our ride.” She scooped up the little girl and her doll.

He had taken everything to the livery before waking the children. By now, Bill McAfee would be waiting with the horses. Having another man on the ride added a measure of security. Still, a sense of foreboding hung on Storm’s shoulders. He prayed this time his instincts proved wrong.

They made their way to the livery. As he’d suspected, Bill awaited them and held his horse’s reins. The tall, lean man looked to be in his late twenties. His ready smile and easy going nature assured he would adjust to travel with children.

After Storm made introductions, he put Susie at the front of his saddle. “Drew, today you ride with Mr. McAfee. We’ll be moving too fast for you to be alone in the saddle.”

Drew opened his mouth as if to protest, but a look from Storm kept the boy silent.

“Today it’s especially important you do everything Rena, Mr. McAfee, and I tell you. It might mean our lives. Do you understand?”

Susie and Drew nodded. Lottie slept in Rena’s arms. He took the child while Rena climbed into the saddle. When she’d found her seat, he passed the still sleeping girl to his wife.

His wife.

The thought still surprised him. How did he feel knowing they were forever linked? Remembering their two nights together, he smiled.

He wondered what his family thought when they’d received his wires. Pearl probably wanted to box his ears because she missed his wedding. He’d bet the rest of the family reacted the same way. He couldn’t worry about that now.

Storm tied the outlaw Lon’s horse to his. They rode slowly out of the city until the sound of their hoof beats would no longer capture attention. Riding due north, they reached the South Wichita at daybreak.

Rena signaled him. “Lottie has to go.”

“Wouldn’t hurt to rest the horses before we ford the river.” Storm guided Thunder to a copse of trees overlooked the sandy waterway.

The breeze kicked up a notch. Gusts whirled dirt devils along the trail they left. At least the air relieved the heat, especially here in the shade.

Bill dismounted. “We’ve covered ten miles. That’s almost a third of the way.”

Storm dug bread and cheese from his saddlebags. “Kids, this is our breakfast. You’ll have to make do with water to drink. Eat quickly.”

“Want eggies.” Lottie pouted and turned away, refusing to take her portion of bread and cheese.

“This is all we have, Lottie. Let us pretend it is cake, all right?” Rena took a bite. “Yum, mine is spice cake with plump raisins and walnuts.” She smacked her lips and pretended to savor her food.

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