Ana Seymour by Jeb Hunters Bride Read Free Book Online

as if he had been an older brother. But his occasional unguarded glances at Kerry were not always brotherly, much toher amazement She recognized the male admiration in his gaze, and found it incredible that he could find anything attractive in her, dressed as she was in her odd male attire and already grimy from the trail.
    Everyone else on the train seemed to take her male status for granted. The well-meaning neighbors who had stopped by after hearing about her injury treated her with that breezy indifference often extended to an inconsequential young man who had yet to make his mark in life. There was no deference, nor anything in their manner to suggest the stilted courtesy prescribed by society for a single young woman. She found it liberating.
    It was only with Scott that she felt back in her feminine role. He was looking at her that way now from the other side of the campfire. The two were alone. Patrick had joined some of the other youngsters at another wagon. “I’ve appreciated your help these past few days, Scott,” Kerry said finally, when the silence had stretched out long enough to be awkward.
    Scott grinned. “I’m a born romantic, Kerry. Always ready to help a damsel in distress.”
    Kerry chuckled and held out her arms to flop the sleeves of her father’s jacket. “Damsel is a bit too elegant to describe me, I’m afraid.”
    Scott’s face grew serious. “I’d have trouble finding the right words to describe you, Kerry. I look at your beautiful face and into those big blue eyes and it makes my heart stop cold.”
    Kerry flushed and leaned back a little, moving her face out of the circle of firelight. “I thought only Irishmen knew how to talk blarney.”
    Scott stayed serious another moment, then smiled.“I’m sorry. It must sound like that. I’ve spoken too soon. Forgive me, lass.”
    Kerry shook her head in confusion. “No, I didn’t mean…There’s nothing to forgive. You’re…you’ve been so nice to us.”
    Scott waggled his eyebrows mockingly. “And as with all beautiful females, you’re wondering if my motives are pure.”
    Kerry giggled. She’d never met a man who could put her so at ease. She had a feeling that Scott’s easy charm would be appealing under any circumstances. It was in marked contrast to the taciturn manner of the wagon master, who had been by to ask about her foot several times, but had never stayed more than the time it took to get an answer on the subject. While she was relieved that he didn’t again ask to look at the injury and that she would not have to undergo a close scrutiny that might risk revealing her secret, she found herself a little annoyed by Jeb Hunter’s brusque manner.
    “I’m not too concerned about your motives, Scott,” she answered her new friend. “Patrick and I are both grateful to have you around.”
    “He’s a fine boy. You can be proud of him.”
    “I am. We’ll make a good team in California.”
    “That’s a tall order, Kerry—starting up a ranch with just the two of you.”
    Kerry’s chin came up. “Not too tall, though. We’ll make it work. I can do anything a man can do.” She gave a rueful glance down at her foot. “When I have two good legs, that is.”
    Scott narrowed his eyes to see her face in the dim light. “Perhaps you won’t be alone by then. I’veheard that young women don’t stay unmarried for long in the West.”
    Kerry grinned. “But I’m not a young woman, remember? And I’m not interested in having a man in my life telling me what to do.”
    Scott barked out a laugh. “I guess that states it plain enough.”
    A shower of sparks rose from the fire as a log broke in two and slid off the top of the pile toward Kerry. Scott was on his feet in an instant, moving to her side and shoving the log back with his boot. Kerry had started to push herself backward, but he reached down and stopped her with a hand on her shoulder. “You don’t have to move, lass. I’ll just rebuild this.”
    He knelt