Love Before Midnight

by Kathleen Ball

  “Thanks to your brother, I’ll be just fine. I wasn’t as prepared as I should have been for the trip.” She gave him a slight smile. It was better to make light of things.

  Eli grinned. “Everyone forgets something.” He quickly and skillfully yoked and hitched the oxen and then tied the lines around the brake. “Off to see who else I can help.”

  “Thank you, Eli.”

  He nodded, mounted his horse, and rode off.

  “You like them young, don’t ya?” Clancy slurred as he rounded to the front of the wagon. “What did you tell him? Did you tell him I couldn’t handle the animals?”

  A shiver of fear ran up her spine. “Of course not. I wouldn’t speak ill of you. You’re my husband.”

  The menace in his eyes lessened. “I’m going to sleep for a while. Take a care when driving. You drove over too many dang bumps yesterday.”

  She watched him climb back into the wagon and frowned. He’d been such a different person when he was sober. His willingness to help her out had impressed her, and she’d been confident they’d get on. Unfortunately she’d been terribly wrong.

  Her shoulders and arms ached, but she climbed up onto the wagon seat and waited for the signal for them for them to move out.

  Looking down at her gloves, she smiled. At least someone cared, even if was just a little bit. The wagon in front of her began to pull out. She waited a few breaths and then urged her oxen forward. The wagon lurched forward. They were on their way again. She held the lines and steadily drove the wagon until the noon break. This time she had her own biscuits to eat. She unhitched the oxen, rubbed them down with a bit of hay, and led them to water before she found herself a rock to sit on. There was no sense in peeking in the wagon. She didn’t want to disturb Clancy. She sighed as she unwrapped her biscuits.

  She’d learn to do it all on her own. Clancy had been a means to get on the wagon train. He’d served his purpose. Bart Bigalow could send her all the snide looks he wanted. His threat of Clancy trading her to him for whiskey was just an empty threat. No one they were traveling with would stand for it.

  Pushing to her feet, she stretched her neck one way then the next then raised her arms over head trying to lessen her tight muscles. Hard work never scared her and she was up for the challenge. She wondered if the banker, Mr. Benton had found Sunshine yet. When he’d given her the eviction notice, he had warned her to not take one single thing from the property—only her clothes.

  Her heart squeezed painfully. Losing her Pa had been so unexpected. Dang that Mr. Benton. He’d driven his buggy out to her land the same day as the funeral and told her to vacate. She left that very night taking her horse Sunshine and her ma’s silver candlesticks. She’d even left all the stall doors open, and the barn door. He’d have a time finding the horses and cow.

  She’d been tempted for a moment to burn down the house but in the end her conscience wouldn’t allow it. Her pa had taken out a loan against the farm. It was one of the hardest things she’d ever done, leaving the farm, but she couldn’t stay. Her father’s body wasn’t even cold before she’d had one offer to be a man’s mistress. She’d rather die than go against the teachings of her family.

  “You look lost in thought.” She jumped at Mike’s deep voice.

  “You caught me.” She smiled at him. “What’s your horse’s name?” She’d admired the big bay horse.

  “His name is Arrow. We’ve traveled many miles together.” He raised his left brow. “Is everything fine here?”

  She blushed and glanced away for a moment. He knew. “Never better.” She hoped her smile looked genuine. Looking into his blue eyes, she realized she’d failed. There was a hint of anger in them.

  “Where’s your husband?” Mike’s voice sounded almost harsh.

  “He’s not feeling well. He’s lying down.” She wanted to look away again but he held her gaze. His anger turned into concern and it warmed her a bit. She wasn’t completely alone after all. “I can handle things.”

  “I know you can. I’ll check back later.” He touched the brim of his hat and rode to the wagon behind her.

  She grinned. He had no idea how handsome he was. He’d make someone a fine husband one day.

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  About the Author

  Sexy Cowboys and the Women Who Love Them...

  Finalist in the 2012 and 2015 RONE Awards.

  Top Pick, Five Star Series from the Romance Review.

  Kathleen Ball writes contemporary and historical western romance with great emotion and

  memorable characters. Her books are award winners and have appeared on best sellers lists including: Amazon's Best Seller's List, All Romance Ebooks, Bookstrand, Desert Breeze Publishing and Secret Cravings Publishing Best Sellers list. She is the recipient of eight Editor's Choice Awards, and The Readers' Choice Award for Ryelee's Cowboy.

  Winner of the Lear diamond award Best Historical Novel- Cinders' Bride

  There's something about a cowboy

  Other Books by Kathleen

  Lasso Spring Series

  Callie’s Heart

  Lone Star Joy

  Stetson’s Storm

  Dawson Ranch Series

  Texas Haven

  Ryelee’s Cowboy

  Cowboy Season Series

  Summer’s Desire

  Autumn’s Hope

  Winter’s Embrace

  Spring’s Delight

  Mail Order Brides of Texas

  Cinder’s Bride

  Keegan’s Bride

  Shane’s Bride

  Tramp’s Bride

  Poor Boy’s Christmas

  Oregon Trail Dreamin’

  We’ve Only Just Begun

  A Lifetime to Share

  A Love Worth Searching For

  So Many Roads to Choose

  The Settlers

  Greg

  Juan

  Scarlett

  Mail Order Brides of Spring Water

  Tattered Hearts

  Shattered Trust

  Glory’s Groom

  Battered Soul

  Romance on the Oregon Trail

  Cora’s Courage

  Luella’s Longing

  Dawn’s Destiny

  Terra’s Trial

  Candle Glow and Mistletoe

  The Greatest Gift

  Love So Deep

  Luke’s Fate

  Whispered Love

  Love Before Midnight

  I’m Forever Yours

  Finn’s Fortune

  Glory’s Groom