Rocky Mountain Dreams (Leadville, Co. Book 1) by Danica Favorite

Author:Danica Favorite [Favorite, Danica]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical Romance, Women's Fiction, Victorian Era, 19th Century, Forever Love, Bachelor, Single Woman, Love Possibility, Frontier-Pioneer Era, Hearts Desire, American West, Clean & Wholesome, Christian Stories, Faith Based, Inspirational Reads, Love Inspired, Life-Changes, Second Chance Reunion, Honesty & Trust, Home & Family, Lifetime Love, Romantic Schemes, Love-Family & Forever, Action & Adventure, Small Town & Rural Area, Leadville Colorado, Preacher's Daughter
Publisher: Love Inspired Historical; Original Edition
Published: 2014-11-01T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

Exhaustion had set in before the mining camp was in view. Joseph glanced at Frank, who looked even more weary. The older man hadn’t been able to stop worrying about Annabelle.

Even Joseph wasn’t sure about the best course of action for her. Especially the more he mulled over Frank’s words to him about his behavior toward the beautiful girl. Closer to the camp, he realized that it wasn’t so much that he was looking forward to being reunited with his sister and finding the silver, but that he’d get to see the smile that continued to haunt his mind.

Before they were within eyesight of Gertie’s cabin, a ball of energy hurled herself at him.

“Joseph! You’re back!”

Despite the fatigue, he dismounted, then picked Nugget up and whirled her in a big hug. “I think you’ve grown since this morning.”

Nugget giggled. “Papa used to say that, too.”

Her words didn’t sting the way the comparisons to his pa used to. Time, and Nugget’s love, had begun to heal that wound. Not that he was willing to fully forgive him, but at least he could accept his sister’s love for the man.

He set Nugget down, then held her hand as he led his horse to the cabin. “Did you have a good day?”

“Yes, but Annabelle got hurt so now Caitlin and I have to stay close.” Her lip jutted out in a tiny pout.

Frank stepped forward. “What’s this about Annabelle getting hurt?”

“She hurt her foot, and Mr. Slade put a bandage on it.” Nugget skipped along without realizing the import of her words.

But both Joseph and Frank picked up their speed. With the way Annabelle had shot daggers at Slade earlier, chances were any interaction between them had resulted in bloodshed.

But Annabelle sat by the fire, Slade next to her, chatting almost amiably.

“Annabelle?” Frank handed the reins to Joseph and dashed toward his daughter. “What happened? Are you all right?”

A wan smile he didn’t recognize crossed her face. “I hurt my ankle. Slade says I’ll be fine.” She glanced at Slade and gave him a look Joseph didn’t understand.

Joseph could hardly believe the way their interaction had completely changed in less than twelve hours.

Polly huffed past them. “I’m sure she’s fine. She was when she left me at the creek with all the work to finish.”

Annabelle stiffened at the words, and any hint of the ease he’d seen in her earlier had disappeared. Slade scooted closer to her. Even though that should have made him feel better, it brought a new sense of unease to him. What was the relationship between Annabelle and Slade?

None of his business.

He had no right to wonder what may or may not be going on between them. Annabelle wasn’t his to claim even if he wanted to.

Her father, though, wasn’t going to let it go so easily. “It’s nice to see you two together again.”

Together again...well, that probably said it all. His chest tightened, and even though he’d like to blame it on the altitude...

How had he developed such feelings for Annabelle so quickly? Especially when he had no right to do so.

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