Rocky Mountain Dreams & Family on the Range by Danica Favorite (summer beach reads txt) 📕

dared follow her, that they even dared to make her afraid.

This was her home. Josie might be leaving soon, but until tomorrow, she was Mary’s responsibility and she would keep her safe. Who knew where that stranger had gone who looked for her, but she would not allow him to trespass on her property. If he so much as tried to get in her front door, well...she wouldn’t hesitate to use her derringer.

Her jaw set and she lengthened her stride. When she was certain she wasn’t being followed anymore, she took a more direct route to the ranch. By the time she reached her home, the sun had dropped to the horizon and a cool breeze scooped and swirled around her.

Josie sat outside the house with her mother, weaving a basket.

Mary rode past, took care of the horse in the stable, then walked home. Josie looked up with a toothy smile. Rose’s smile was in her eyes.

“You’ve been busy,” Mary said, grabbing a rocking chair and pulling it near where Josie sat on the porch floor so she could reach and touch the little girl’s hair, which glinted in the fading sunlight.

“I have many baskets to sell,” Rose answered. Her hands moved steadily.

“You do not have to work anymore.”

Her mother’s eyes flickered before she looked down at her work. “It is something I’ve done since I was a small girl at my mother’s side. I will pay my way.”

Mary wanted to tell her mother that she didn’t owe her anything. This home was free. But Josie watched them with bright eyes, and the subject was much too personal to air in front of little ears.

Instead, she shrugged. “My trip to town was fruitful. There are a few store areas that look as though they’d fit my needs.” She’d discussed the ranch sale with her mother last night.

“And the cost?”

“I didn’t find out yet.” She shifted uncomfortably. Though she’d saved quite a bit in the past years, she wasn’t sure it would be enough to open a new business, let alone rent a space for a baker. If she was going to own a business, it would be for something she loved to do. Something she knew she could excel at but would also fill a need in the town.

“Building a business often requires money,” her mother said.

“I know.” Mary sighed and smoothed the top of Josie’s hair. “What did you two do today?”

“We made bunches of baskets. I found a little squirrel and almost caught it.” Josie beamed up at her and Mary grinned.

“Excuse me...” Lou’s deep drawl interrupted them.

She looked up and felt that odd catch in her stomach again. His hair had grown too long since the shooting. It gave him a wild, untamed look. The scruff on his jaw only lent to the dangerous edge he exuded and deepened the blue of his eyes.

“Yes?” She tried to swallow the dryness from her throat. Nerves prickled.

He didn’t look at her mother or Josie but focused his gaze upon her, increasing the flame of anxiety that flickered through her body. “Just wanted to verify you’ll give me my shave and trim after supper.”

No, she wanted to yell. Instead, she found herself stuck nodding a wordless yes.

Every ounce of her felt caught in that magnetic gaze of his.

Finally, he looked away, and she could breathe again.

“Josie, pack your things tonight. We leave at first light,” he said.

“Where are we going?”

“Tomorrow we’re taking you to your mother.” A strange catch in his voice tripped Mary’s attention.

Was that pain traveling across his face? The emotion passed too quickly and once again his features settled into a carefree smile.

“Oh.” Josie quieted beneath Mary’s hand, which still rested on her head.

He shouldn’t have broken the news to her like this. Mary frowned and guided Josie to rest her head against her leg. She stroked the little girl’s hair. “Don’t you want to see your mother?”

“I guess....” Her voice trailed off. “I just don’t want to see him.”

“We’re gonna take you straight to your mother. Only her. And I’m going to make sure you’re completely safe before I leave.” Lou’s eyes darted to Mary before he squatted in front of Josie. “Your mother missed you and thought you were visiting relatives.”

“She sent me away,” Josie said in a very small voice.

Something bitter and sharp pricked at Mary. She swallowed hard and tucked a hair behind Josie’s ear. She felt her mother’s gaze.

“I know, sweetheart.” Empathy filled Lou’s tone. “But she didn’t want you to be gone forever, just to visit family. And now that we’ve found her and I’m better, Miss Mary and I are going to take you home so your mommy won’t be sad anymore.”

Josie turned her face into Mary’s skirt and mumbled something.

“Sometimes a mother makes a very big mistake,” Rose said quietly. “It takes a wise little girl to forgive and offer a second chance.”

“I’m not gonna go.” Josie pulled away, and Mary caught a glimpse of the stubborn glare she aimed toward Lou.

“Mary, please make sure she’s packed for tomorrow,” he said in a soft voice. He gave Josie a tender smile before looking to Mary. “I’ll be ready after supper.” He turned on his heel and strode away.

True to her word, Mary showed up after the dishes were done and Rose had taken Josie back to the house for sleep. He watched from the sitting room window as she came up the porch and paused before the front door. She adjusted her skirt and appeared to take a deep breath. Her face looked flushed and her eyes glimmered.

Was she nervous?

Her body language said so.

He stepped away from the window, rubbing the back of his neck. If there was another way to save her this discomfort, he would. Unfortunately, James was busy checking their route for tomorrow and making sure everything was in order while they were gone. He didn’t have time to be a barber, too.

The idea of making Mary uncomfortable bothered him deeply, but after spending these