A Valentine's Choice: A Montana Sky Series Holiday Novella (The Montana Sky Series) by Debra Holland Read Free Book Online Page A

gypsy are ye, then?”
    Moss nodded, an expression of regret in his eyes as he looked at her, although his smile didn’t dim. “I’m afraid I have itchy feet, Miss Bridget. But perhaps a lady such as yourself could tempt me to plant myself in Sweetwater Springs.”
    Bridget laughed, not believing him for a moment but amused by his flirtation. She wondered what might have caused his wandering ways.
    The shorter man, who was stout enough to at least hoist a bale without effort, turned to James. “You read last week’s paper yet?” Buck asked. “President Cleveland made another darn fool statement.” From that comment, the conversation drifted into politics.
    Normally, Bridget would have paid attention to the discussion, but they were speaking of American politics, and she hadn’t the least idea what was going on. She kept an expression of interest on her face and covertly surveyed the rest of the people crowded into the room.
    Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Mrs. Toffels hasten to Samantha’s side. Although she didn’t move away from the men, Bridget was close enough to overhear.
    “The rest of the hands are waiting in the kitchen. Shall I tell them to come in here first to meet the young ladies before they sit themselves at the table?”
    Wyatt slanted a grin at his housekeeper. “I wonder how many of our shy cowboys would take you up on that offer?”
    “A few, perhaps.” Mrs. Toffels smiled, wrinkles fanning out over her face. “But I suspect, there’s a couple like Sid who still haven’t recovered from you bringing home a beautiful wife.”
    Wyatt laughed. “Sid will adjust…in about five years or so.”
    Samantha darted a speculative glance at Alana. “Our guests are very pretty. I’d like to keep them.”
    Wyatt grinned at Samantha. “My darling, at this rate, we’re going to be sprouting cabins like mushrooms.”
    His wife laughed. “How wonderful that would be, Wyatt. In a few short weeks, Sally O’Hanlon has become a friend, and I’d love to have more women nearby. I’m sure Mrs. Toffels agrees.” With a raised eyebrow, she glanced at the housekeeper.
    The older woman nodded, and her two chins quivered. “I’d be delighted if Miss Bridget chose our James, and they settled down here.”
    Bridget found herself coloring, but she dared not look over to see if James overheard.
    Wyatt shook his head. “I won’t ask why you’ve settled on James for Bridget or who you have in mind for Alana. I’m staying far away from female matchmaking.”
    As much as she wanted to hear the reply, Bridget knew this conversation wasn’t meant for her ears. With a smile she excused herself from the political discussion and moved toward Alana.
    Her sister was teaching Tim some Gaelic words.
    The young man gazed at her with an infatuated expression.
    Bridget halted a few feet away. She couldn’t help but smile at the sight of the two shy twins engrossed in conversation. Even better was the animation on Alana’s face. In thankfulness, she placed a hand on her chest and exhaled a breath of relief.
    Perhaps I can stop worrying after all.
    But as she looked at Alana’s thinness, doubt still niggled at her.

CHAPTER FOUR

    The next morning in the O’Hanlon’s cabin, the three women prepared for Alana’s departure. The night before, they’d done their best with a damp sponge to clean the wool gowns they’d worn for traveling, then left the dresses and their coats hanging outside in hopes the wind would blow away any lingering sooty smell from the train. After breakfast at the big house, the twins retrieved their dried undergarments and rolled up all of Alana’s things for tight packing.
    Now, well-fed, clean in body and attire, Bridget should have felt a sense of well-being and gratitude. And she really did. But a tight band of unshed tears squeezed her chest.
    We’ve never been parted for more than a single day.
    Bridget and Alana donned their coats, hats, and mittens, as well as the new scarves their