Total pages in book: 118
Estimated words: 108382 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 542(@200wpm)___ 434(@250wpm)___ 361(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 108382 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 542(@200wpm)___ 434(@250wpm)___ 361(@300wpm)
"Sometimes things are better left in the past," Silver Fox offered in comfort.
"I suppose they are, but memories die hard, especially in a little girl who loved her mother more than anything and had thought her mother felt the same way."
"Perhaps she did. People don't always leave because they don't love. Many times it is because they do and wish to protect."
Prudence regarded Silver Fox strangely. "I never thought of that. I can't imagine what she would have been protecting me from. But perhaps if I looked differently at her reason for leaving, it would help me to understand her better and hopefully find her."
"Keep your heart open and you will find success in your quest."
"Thank you," Prudence said, grateful for her sincere advice. She turned to take yet another dish from a new arrival.
The day couldn't have gone better. Everyone was in high spirits. By dusk the outside of the church was almost complete. There was still much to be done and many volunteers to do it. In a few weeks the church would be complete, and by early autumn it would be dressed in its finery for Bertha's wedding.
Prudence kept her eyes on her husband as he prepared their wagon to leave. A nervous shiver shot through her and an overpowering urge to rush into his arms and beg him to take her home this very minute and make love to her overwhelmed her. She was gripped by a dreadful premonition that she would not have many more such opportunities.
She waved her good-byes to Bertha, Charlie, and Silver Fox, and then hurried to join her husband. Her hand touched his shoulder and a feeling of comfort swept over her.
He turned, grabbing her around the waist in his familiar way and drawing her to him. He kissed her soundly. "Ready to go home, honey?"
"Yes, more than ready," she said, her breath catching in little gasps, betraying her excitement.
Zac brushed a strand of loose hair from her face. "Your words tell me we'll be lucky if we make it home."
She didn't smile, her expression turning sensual. "We need to make it home, Mr. Stewart, since I intend to make love with you all night, perhaps even into the day." She had the most awful feeling that this was her last chance to hold him, to love him, to share with him.
Zac felt her nervous tremble and he crushed her tightly to him. "I think we’ll make it back to the ranch in record time tonight."
She released a tremulous laugh, remaining locked protectively in the strength of his arms. "Let's get started."
Zac was about to agree wholeheartedly, when a shout announced an approaching wagon.
Bertha, Charlie, and Silver Fox stood on the steps of the dry goods store, staring down the street at the slow meandering approach of the wagon.
Prudence tugged at Zac's shirt. "Let's go, Zac. Now. Please."
The urgency in her voice concerned him, as did the fright in her eyes. If it was who she assumed, he was glad, actually relieved, they were here. Finally, matters would be settled, and it was about time. "We'll see who it is first, Pru. Perhaps someone needs help."
He took her hand and almost had to pull her along, around their wagon, to face the new arrivals.
"Prudence!"
She cringed at the sound of Granger's squealing voice, then cringed again when the wagon halted and Granger climbed clumsily off, almost toppling to the ground in his haste and ineptitude. Her father followed, but his footing was sound and sure.
She felt the reluctance in Zac's hand to release hers as she stepped forward to welcome her father. She walked straight past a startled and perturbed Granger.
"Father," she said, her voice choked with emotion as she kissed him on the cheek.
"Prudence, my love," James Winthrop said in relief, hugging his daughter to him. He filled himself with the knowledge that only holding her could bring—that she was safe and sound — then held her at arm's length to inspect the change he had been surprised to see when first he laid eyes on her. "You look positively radiant."
"Nonsense," Granger interrupted sharply. "She looks disheveled. Whatever are you doing wearing that common cotton dress? And why isn't your hair pinned properly in place?"
"Granger, please," James said, his nerves nearly shot. "I’ll handle this."
"Then handle it," Granger yelled. "Just look at what he's done to her. It will take weeks to return her to her well-groomed self. What will people say when she returns to Boston with her skin so tanned and looking so—so common?"
The voice that spoke next was threatening. "Prudence isn't going back to Boston."
She turned to see Zac walking toward her. His steps were purposeful and sturdy, his stance probably a bit frightening to those who did not know him. He was a commanding figure even without his six-shooters, especially when he wore that cold, expressionless mask.