Linda Ford - A Baby For Christmas

Her face was pinched and pale, her eyes closed, her mouth a thin line.

The ride had to be most uncomfortable in her condition. Maybe she was regretting this decision.

He kept his position as they continued, watching with growing concern. He might have lost his right to ask God for favors by vowing falsely, but somehow he knew that wasn’t true. How many talks had Bertie given back at the ranch as they gathered in the cookhouse for Sunday services? He’d said God never gave up on people. God, don’t give up on me. I know what I did was wrong, marrying with no intention of staying married. But I did it for Missy, Louise and her baby. I’m still concerned about them. Please help me get them safely to the ranch.

They came to the first way station to change horses.

The driver called, “Folks, time for a quick break, but be late getting aboard and be left behind.”

The threat of being left behind in this desolate place would make all of them hurry. There was only a crude barn, a set of corrals for the horses and a dugout home for the bewhiskered man who sauntered over to help with the animals.

Nate dismounted, led his horse to water, then made haste to help the ladies down.

Missy hurried to the well to drink her fill of water.

Nate pulled Louise’s hand around his elbow to rest on his arm. When she leaned heavily on him, he dipped his head to study her face. Was she gritting her teeth? “Are you okay?”

She nodded, then worked her jaw loose. “I need a drink and to stretch my legs.”

He filled a dipper and she gulped back three swallows, then stopped and handed the dipper back with a word of thanks. He again pulled her hand around his arm as they walked along the dusty path.

She stopped at the corner of the corrals and leaned on a post.

“You sure you’re okay? It’s not too late to change your mind.”

She turned on him, pierced him with a sharp look. “Are you suggesting I go back? And do what? Fight Vic? Do you really think I’d stand a chance against someone so despicable and sneaky?”

“I was only thinking of you. We’ve just been gone a few hours and you already look exhausted.”

She drew herself upright, no longer leaning on the post. All hint of tiredness had been erased from her demeanor. “I am only thinking of my baby.”

Their gazes held, hers full of fury and determination, his, he supposed, full of resignation. “Put that way, I guess you have no choice but to cowboy up.”

“Cowboy up?”

“Means you do what is hard instead of moaning about it.”

She nodded. “Exactly what I mean to do.”

He grinned. “Awfully good to see there is some spark left in you.”

She rumbled her lips. “I might lose my spark, but I’ll never lose my fight.” Her hands pressed to her stomach and he understood she would fight whatever enemy threatened her baby.

“You won’t fight alone.” Although she’d made it clear this was Gordie’s baby, he felt more than a little concern for the little one’s safety. “I’ll make sure all three of you get to Eden Valley Ranch.”

Her gaze burned a path through his thoughts as if she didn’t believe him. Didn’t trust him.

Why would she think that? He’d never done anything to give her reason to doubt his word. “You don’t trust me. Why?”

Her reply was cut off by the coach driver. “Folks, get aboard unless you want to stay here.”

Louise hurried back to the coach with Nate on her heels. He knew he wasn’t wrong in thinking she was grateful she didn’t get a chance to answer his question.

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