Christmas at Dove Creek by Scarlett Dunn

Author:Scarlett Dunn [Dunn, Scarlett]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2016-09-01T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eighteen

Three days later in the frigid temperatures they finally reached Chimney Rock. The terrible weather couldn’t dampen their enthusiasm. It was early afternoon when they decided to stop for a meal and enjoy the views.

“The one thing that surprised me on this trail are the deep ruts in the ground the entire way,” Isabelle said.

“So many wagons have come this way, it’s to be expected,” Stone said. “I imagine they will be there for eternity.”

“I was surprised by how few trees there are,” Lily said.

“I prefer trees myself,” Thorpe said, standing and extending his hand to Lily. “But since there’s only that rock, let’s go see some of those names.” He hadn’t forgotten she’d mentioned seeing the names, and he wanted to make sure she got her wish. It might be the last time she passed this way and it would be a shame for her to miss the chance.

Lily took his hand and stood. “Do we have time?”

“In this weather we can’t go too far, but we’ll go up far enough to see some names.”

Thorpe glanced back at Stone. “We won’t be long, and I’ll have a bird’s-eye view to see if anyone is coming.”

“We’ll wait right here and watch you. Don’t fall and break your fool neck,” Stone told him.

“Miss Lily, you be careful,” Jed said.

“Don’t worry, Jed. I won’t let anything happen to her,” Thorpe assured him.

When Thorpe and Lily were out of earshot, Isabelle said, “They are perfect for each other.”

Stone laughed. “Don’t go thinking Thorpe is ready for marriage. He’s not likely to get married anytime soon, if ever.”

Isabelle turned her chin up at him. “Mark my words, those two will be married within six months.”

Stone looked at her as if she was losing her mind. “Thorpe told me he didn’t have his sights on Lily.”

“Well, he might have said that, but his actions tell a different story. He is always looking at her like a man looks at a woman he wants.”

“Lily is a beautiful woman and I’m sure that’s the reason he is always looking at her. But believe me, he’s not interested in her that way.”

“I wouldn’t be too sure about that, Mr. Stone,” Jed said.

Stone turned to look at Jed. “You think Isabelle is right?”

“I know Mr. Thorpe acts like he’s not interested in Miss Lily, but he likes her. I ain’t saying it won’t take him awhile to recognize it.” Jed had seen the way Thorpe stared at Lily all of the time. Jed thought Thorpe cared much more than he was willing to admit to himself.

“Well, this should be interesting,” Stone said. He thought it was remarkable Isabelle could see that Thorpe cared for Lily, but she couldn’t recognize how he felt about her. It was for the best, he told himself. Isabelle cared for her soldier; she was carrying his baby and traveling across the country to marry him. He couldn’t allow himself to forget that fact.

* * *

Thorpe stopped climbing and glanced down at Lily. “Be careful.

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