Pioneer Dream: The O’Rourke Family Montana Saga by Ramona Flightner

Author:Ramona Flightner [Flightner, Ramona]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Grizzly Damsel Publishing

That evening, Aileen stood near the hotel window. She had already suffered through one of her aunt’s admonishments not to stand in the window and be one of “those women” who called attention to herself. She hovered to the side, with the heavy curtain obscuring her form from those wandering the rear of the building. Men caroused and called to each other. Bottles broke, horses neighed, and the threat of violence was ever in the air.

She looked to the sky, focusing on the stars and the sliver of moon. She remembered her father telling her as a girl of four that no matter how far apart they were, they’d always share the same moon. She had thought him a poet but had later learned he’d stolen the sentiment from an ancient philosopher. Aileen was certain he’d say he’d borrowed it, as that had been one of his favorite words.

She let out a stuttering breath as she fought memories of her father and the disappointment of her childhood. For a few short weeks, she had believed she had the opportunity to forge her own destiny. However, now that she was in Fort Benton, and she had seen how close the O’Rourke family was, she feared Kevin would never challenge his brother for her.

She rested her head against the curtain, hoping the fabric would stifle her sob. Her aunt was reading the Bible, although that meant she was taking a nap. Soft snores filled the room, and her aunt wouldn’t wake for another quarter hour as long as she remained quiet. Another quarter hour without her aunt chattering on about Aileen doing her duty and preserving her reputation for an unblemished future. Whatever that meant, Aileen thought to herself.

Aileen would welcome any and all blemishes, if she could have one night of passion with Kevin. For she knew Declan would never excite her as his brother did. But how was she to forego the opportunity for marriage and a respectable life, rather than continue as a pauper living by the grace of a graceless aunt? If only Kevin would speak up. If only he would challenge his brother for her.

She grimaced as she thought of the promise she had extracted that last night on the steamboat and wished she had not spoken so rashly. If she hadn’t, would Kevin have proclaimed his feelings? Were his feelings for her strong enough to overcome his sense of loyalty to his family? Or was she a muddle headed girl as her aunt said, dreaming for what would never be hers instead of accepting her fate?

She saw her reflection in the window and shook her head at her simple clothes, boring hairstyle and nondescript features. She battled tears and long held fears as she thought, What man would fight for me?

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