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

“Once in a while.”

“Miss Mary says He likes it. That He gets lonely and is always waiting to listen. She told me He’d help when I was in trouble. She was telling the truth, right, Mister Lou?”

Funny how a sleepy kid could jabber so much. Might be time to stick her on the horse. He lifted her away from his body and set her in the saddle. “Hold on,” he said gruffly.

He mounted behind her, then situated her to be comfortable for the ride back, and safe.

“Was Miss Mary telling the truth?” Her voice drifted upward from where she lounged against him. “Does God hear me?”

Good question. One he couldn’t answer honestly.

“Mister Lou. Does God hear us?”

“Uh—”

“Was Miss Mary telling the truth?”

He wished he knew. “Go to sleep, honey.”

“But does God hear me?”

“I found you, didn’t I?” he said, hoping that would do. Mary filled this child’s head with nonsense, the kind of truths he used to hinge his faith on, but he knew better now.

Yet tonight...on all these acres of land, he’d found Josie. Scared but unharmed. What did that mean? And if God cared enough to save her not once, but twice, then where had He been when Lou’s family was dying? Why hadn’t He saved them?

Heart weighted with questions and arms heavy with a snoring bundle of warmth, he headed home.

Chapter Fifteen

“You’re traveling alone?” Miss Alma readjusted her colorful feathered hat. “Are you sure that’s wise, Mary?”

It was early morning. Lou waited in the wagon with Josie who, despite the bumpy ride into town, remained fast asleep. The poor girl was no doubt exhausted from last night’s antics. James had needed to go to the post office before he took them to the train and she’d decided to stop in at the dry-goods store for thimbles. Mary encountered Miss Alma by the pincushions. There were only two, and the sweet lady appeared to be debating over them until she noticed Mary behind her.

It took only moments for her to discover Mary’s plans and now she studied her with a suspicious look in her bright eyes.

“Not really alone,” Mary amended. She scanned the shelves above the cushions for some durable thimbles. She’d forgotten hers at home. “Josie will be with us.”

“And on your way home?”

Her cheeks heated. She avoided Miss Alma’s gaze.

“Really, Mary.” Miss Alma bustled closer and laid a gentle hand on Mary’s arm. Her voice lowered. “You must be more careful with your reputation. I only say that out of concern.”

Mary met her friend’s gaze. “Thank you, but there really is no other way.” She’d thought about asking her mother to chaperone but had decided against that. Especially after Lou had practically accused Rose of stealing. And James was needed at the ranch.

There was no one else.

She patted Miss Alma’s hand. “Please don’t worry. I hardly think my reputation could be more tarnished than it is.”

“Oh, pishposh.” Her elderly friend let out an unladylike snort. The hand that had been on Mary’s shoulder flapped, dodging through the air, waving away Mary’s comment as if a pesky fly. “People here love you. We appreciate your goods at our events, your gentle spirit and the herbs you bring to the store. I am simply thinking of your future good. I wasn’t going to say anything but—” she leaned forward conspiratorially “—a certain young man has been asking for you.”

Mary felt the blood drain from her face and gripped the shelf. “Does he...does he have strangely colored eyes?”

“Oh, my, no. Brown as a log.” Miss Alma tittered. “I won’t say who he is but he’s well respected and a kind young man.”

“I’m getting quite old. Rather on the shelf.” Mary pulled a wry face, which made Miss Alma giggle.

“Now, don’t you worry. Every man is young to me. He’d do well by you. Come to our summer picnic, my dear. Bring your goodies. Something chocolate.”

Mary smiled. She adored chocolate, but it was expensive to buy. However, if chocolate made her merry and soft like Miss Alma, then perhaps she should experiment a wee bit with some new recipes.

“Miss Mary? Time to go.” James’s gruff voice broke her thoughts. He came around the dry goods and stopped suddenly. A look of horror crossed his face.

She stepped forward. “Are you okay?”

“James.” A high-pitched note, more akin to a squeal, escaped Miss Alma’s lips.

Surprised, Mary looked at her friend. A becoming blush colored her cheeks.

“I’ve been waiting for you to come by my house and repair my sink. I fixed a special pie for you just this morning.” Miss Alma bustled between James and her. “Mary, darling, take care. I shall be praying fervently for you and that sweet little girl.” Miss Alma hooked James by the elbow and led him toward the spooled thread.

Mary stood dumbfounded for a moment, and then she laughed. Well, she hadn’t seen this coming, but Miss Alma looked perfect on James’s arm. Or rather, he on her arm. Chuckling, she scooped up a thimble for herself and then searched until she found a child’s size.

The trip would be long and arduous for Josie. Perhaps a stitched doily might turn Josie’s attention and leave her with a keepsake. She palmed the thimbles and headed for the counter.

After picking out penny treats and paying for everything, she stepped into the early-morning sunshine. Wispy clouds drifted across the surface of the sky, rippling the sunbeams and providing snatches of cover from summer rays. A brisk wind picked up dirt and swirled it around her skirt. Covering her eyes, she spied Lou’s wagon across the road. Lou lounged in the front, hat pulled over his face, most likely sleeping.

Once at the train station, they’d board the Union Pacific short line. It had been years since she’d ridden on a train. Prickles bumped across her skin. She did not relish the close quarters she would share with strangers.

Returning Josie was a necessity, though. Her heart quailed at the thought and the