by Linda Ford
The women were discussing Christmas activities, but Sophia paid little attention. She had positioned herself so she could keep her eyes on the clerk’s room on the upper level.
Buck stepped out and paused to look about. His gaze rested on the women.
Sophia ducked her head, needing to check on Maxie, but even more, needing to keep her face hidden from the man. She did not want him to show the least interest in her.
Sophia turned so she could watch him out of the corner of her eyes.
He descended the steps at the far end and appeared to be headed for the carpenter’s shop.
She began to relax and pay attention to what Mary Mae said. “Polly is set on enjoying every Christmas tradition she’s ever heard of and I declare she must have asked everyone she knows how they celebrate. She has a very long list.” Mary Mae sighed, but Sophia didn’t believe for a minute that her friend was put out by the demands of the little girl she and her husband, Warren, had adopted.
Sophia was about to say so when she noticed Buck angling across the open square on a path that would bring him directly toward the women. She looked about, hoping for some excuse to leave, but Maxie played contentedly with Donna Grace’s little daughter, Anna, who was only slightly older. He would protest loudly if she snatched him up and hurried away.
Instead, she went to the pair of children and squatted down as if examining what they were doing. From her position she could see Buck’s booted feet approach and pause at her side. She kept her face toward the ground as her heart beat frantically. Please, go away. Please, think you’re mistaken in wondering if you recognize me.
The boots took one step. Then two. “Ladies,” Buck said. “Nice to see you enjoying the mild weather.”
Mary Mae answered. “I’m hoping it doesn’t snow again, but Polly is praying it does.”
The others laughed, but Sophia could barely keep balanced on her heels. Her head pounded.
She heard footsteps fading away and allowed herself to shift enough to make sure it was Buck. Yes, thank goodness, he strode off, heading out the wide doors and out of the fort. She could only hope and pray he would go back to the wagons and stay there.
Slowly she straightened and rejoined the others.
Mary Mae gave her a long look. “Do you know him?” she whispered.
“He was a friend of Maximillian’s. I’m afraid he will recognize me.” She pulled her shawl tighter around her, but it did nothing to stop the chill chasing up and down her body. She lifted the shawl over her head and drew it around her face.
Mary Mae eased her away from the others. “What are you going to do?”
“Hide in my room until he leaves?” Sophia said with a great deal of irony. “I’d be tempted to do exactly that, but Cole—” she must remember to use that name for her son “—would not like it.”
“I don’t see how you how you can avoid him.” Mary Mae looked past Sophia. Sophia spun about fearing Buck had slipped back into the fort without her knowing. She needed eyes in the back of her head to feel safe.
“I must do something. Cole, say goodbye to Anna. We have to go back to our room.”
Cole ignored her. He didn’t always recognize his new name and she didn’t risk calling him Maxie to get his attention. Instead, she squatted down and touched his shoulder. “Tell Anna goodbye.”
He stuck out his chin, ready to resist and looking very much like his father. Heaven help her, she couldn’t hide his resemblance to Maximillian.
She picked up her little son. “I’m hoping he’ll have a nap. All the noise at night has been keeping him awake.”
Polly bounced up to her. “But aren’t the posadas exciting?”
“I like a procession as much as anyone,” Sophia admitted. She’d seen many in her years in Santa Fe. “So does Cole.” She lifted the boy to her arms.
He threw back his head and arched his back in protest.
She could hardly blame him. It was too early for his customary nap, but she wouldn’t be able to relax until she could pull the door closed against any curious stares. Ignoring his whining, she carried him back to their room. The fire in the corner glowed warmly. The dirt floor had been sprinkled to keep the dust down.
She let Maxie run around the room, playing with the tin cup and spoon he favored as toys, while she sank to the thick buffalo robe and collected her thoughts.
The fort was a safe place for now, but she couldn’t stay forever. Nor could she avoid Buck forever.
She’d join the first wagon train going west or east. Which wouldn’t be anytime soon with winter upon them.
But even if she could escape without Buck discovering her identity, how long could she run and hope to hide?
Coming soon!
Also by Linda Ford
Contemporary Romance
Montana Skies series
Cry of My Heart
Forever in My Heart
Everlasting Love
Inheritance of Love
Historical Romance
Dakota Brides series
Temporary Bride
Abandoned Bride
Second-Chance Bride
Reluctant Bride
* * *
War Brides series
Lizzie
Maryelle
Irene
Grace
* * *
Wild Rose Country
Crane’s Bride
Hannah’s Dream
Chastity’s Angel
Cowboy Bodyguard
Copyright © 2018 by Linda Ford
All rights reserved.
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