Sarah My Beloved (Little Hickman Creek Series #2) by Sharlene Maclaren

Author:Sharlene Maclaren [Maclaren, Sharlene]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2009-01-14T03:38:00+00:00

Seth's chatter filled the air on the trip home. He spoke of the horses he'd seen in the livery, all the saddles and tack hanging from the walls, and the assortment of carriages and wagons. Rocky found it hard to refrain from smiling, something about the boy's lightheartedness rubbing off on him.

On the other end of the wagon seat, Sarah held her widebrimmed hat as the wagon jostled along, contenting herself with listening to Seth, eyes fastened on the miles of farmland on either side of them.

Ever since the episode in which he'd embarrassed her in front of the Broughtons, things hadn't been quite the same between them. Oh, he'd apologized profusely the next day, but since then most of the smiles she had doled out had been for the children.

"There's going to be a town party." Rachel interrupted Seth's nonstop prattle to make the announcement.

"Party, you say?" Rocky asked, curious. "What sort of party?"

"Don't know exactly. Mrs. Broughton and Sarah were talking about it."

"That so?" Rocky asked, angling his head at Sarah.

The chilly breeze toyed with her hair, sending strands of it flitting across her cheek. She lifted a hand and tucked them back behind her ear. Rocky coaxed the horses into a faster canter, waiting for her to speak. "Liza and I were discussing that it'd be nice to plan something for the children," she said with a touch of excitement. "Most haven't seen each other since the fire, and it will give Seth and Rachel the chance to meet some children their own age."

It sounded like a good idea. Rocky wondered if Rachel would join in the festivities or hang back. Lately, Seth had grown more independent of his sister, somewhat lessening Rachel's role as caregiver, and he wondered if that didn't contribute to her morose state of mind. Not for the first time he admonished himself for his lack of sensitivity where the girl was concerned.

"When is this so-called party?" he asked.

Drawing in a breath, Sarah said, "Just before planting season." Then, eyeing him with particular care, she added, "I volunteered our barn. I hope that meets with your approval."

The announcement set him back a bit. It'd been a good long while since he'd hosted any kind of gathering. Hester used to enjoy inviting folks over, but since living on his own, he'd pretty much kept to himself. He valued his privacy. Now his wife was planning a town get-together on his property, and he wasn't exactly sure how he felt about that.

Slowing the horses at a bend in the road, then veering them toward the final leg of the journey, he set his gaze on Sarah's hopeful expression, and just like that, he had his answer.

Casting her a smile, he said, "Now that I think about it, Mrs. Callahan, I'd say it's about time we hosted a shindig."

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