Solitude Gorge by Shirleen Davies

Author:Shirleen Davies
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Avalanche Ranch Press LLC
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Ginny handed Cooper to Isabella, allowing Luke to help her from the carriage. She held the months old baby, rubbing his back in gentle circles while Ginny straightened her dress. Before she could hand Cooper back, Cash and Allie walked toward them, drawing them into a conversation.

Isabella didn’t mind. She could spend hours with him and never grow tired. Lowering her head, she rubbed her cheek against his hair, inhaling the scent unique to babies. Shifting Cooper in her arms, she didn’t notice Travis watching her from several yards away, an unreadable expression on his face.

“Are you planning to sit up there all day?”

Travis tore his gaze from Isabella, waiting for the familiar pain to rip through him. How many times had he seen his wife holding their daughter the same way, cooing in the baby’s ear, smiling up at Travis as he stared down at them? This morning, sitting atop Banjo outside the church, he didn’t feel the familiar ache of loss. Instead, a surge of longing wrapped around him, causing his breath to catch.

“Hey, Dixon. Did you hear me?”

Giving a quick shake of his head, Travis glanced at Dirk. “Yeah, I heard you.” Sliding to the ground, he moved his gaze back to Isabella, a lump forming in his throat. “I’ll see you inside, Dirk.”

Walking to the buggy, he tossed Banjo’s reins over the back, then held out his arms. “May I?”

Isabella whipped her head toward him, a smile lighting up her face. “If you’re sure.”

“I am.” He took Cooper from her, balancing him in one arm while helping her down. “He’s getting big.”

Brushing hands down her skirt, she adjusted her hat before looking at him. “Yes, he is. Before long, he’ll be trying to walk. Then the work will begin.”

Travis chuckled, staring into Cooper’s eyes. “Yeah. I remember.” Again, he steeled himself for the flash of pain, surprised when it didn’t come.

“I’m sure she was gorgeous.”

Raising a brow, he looked at Isabella. “Who?”

She took a step closer. “Your daughter.”

Nodding, he shoved aside the regret. “She was beautiful.” He glanced back at Cooper, clearing his throat. “Inside and out.”

“Good morning, Travis. May I speak with you a minute?”

“Sure, Gabe.” He handed Cooper to Isabella. “Excuse me a minute.” He started to turn away, then stopped. “Do not go inside without me.”

Isabella kept her smile in check, not wanting him to see how much pleasure his comment gave her. Focusing on the baby, she watched as the men walked several paces away.

Travis shot a look over his shoulder at Isabella, not wanting to leave her alone for long. He had no idea if David Peeler attended church, but he didn’t plan to take any chances.

“What did you want to speak to me about, Gabe?”

“I see you have your gun.”

Chuckling, Travis nodded, touching the handle with his hand. “I do.”

“Don’t take it off. Most of the men are going into church with theirs. We aren’t going to let what happened to Albert occur a second time. My deputies and I are passing the word around.

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