We've Only Just Begun by Kathleen Ball

Author:Kathleen Ball [Ball, Kathleen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lasso Springs Publishing
Published: 2017-05-10T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

Mike watched Susan as she took in everyone’s advice. The Motts offered to hide her, and Smitty offered to take off with her right then and there. Mike already knew what the remedy would be, but he wasn’t sure what she’d think about it. She wouldn’t be happy. He’d wait for Eli to get back with the information he’d asked him to gather.

He excused himself from their group as soon as he spotted his brother. Eli was smiling and Mike took that as a good sign.

“You were right, Mike. That captain doesn’t have the authority to do anything. I talked to Colonel Newton. Now here’s the bargain we struck. You and Susan marry up, and we can be on our way in the morning.”

Mike’s jaw dropped as his heart sped up. “What do you mean marry up?” He furrowed his brow.

“The captain might not have the authority, but he has connections. We’d end up either having to leave her behind or delay our trek to Oregon. The way I see it, we don’t want to delay the trip.” Eli smiled again.

“You’re having fun at my expense aren’t you? What did the colonel really say?” He rubbed the back of his neck as he stared at his brother.

“I’m smiling because I think you two would make a great couple. I see how you sneak looks at her. You don’t think anyone else is watching but I am. I’d be happy to be your best man.”

Mike wanted to smack the grin right off Eli’s face. “I have no plans to tie myself down to a wife, pretty or not. Why I’d rather—”

“I didn’t see you standing there, Susan. Did you see her, Mike? Because I didn’t.” Eli turned red and then he turned and went back to their wagon.

Susan stared at Mike with wide trusting eyes. He inwardly groaned. “Eli found a solution. I’m just not sure it’s the right solution.”

“What is it?” She had her bottom lip between her red lips.

“Well, you see. The Captain White has connections and can make this go the hard way. He could still claim horse theft. The Colonel Newton says we can either get married and be on our way or you have to stay. It would mean leaving you behind. We couldn’t possibly lose so many days. We need to be through the south pass before winter hits, and that could be as early as September.”

She clasped her hands in front of her and stared at the ground. “I see. What about the farm? If I stay, do I get to keep it?”

“Honey, I doubt you’ll be able to keep it any which way you go with this thing.”

She glanced up at him. “I’ll do the sensible thing. I’ll sign the paper and we’ll go.”

“Let me go and see what they have to say. I’m afraid if I take you inside the Fort, they’ll arrest you. I don’t understand why my marrying you would make much of a difference.”

“I know you don’t want to get married.

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