Badland Bride by Lauri Robinson Read Free Book Online Page B

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    Her gaze went to the horizon. She'd long ago learned it was impossible to describe the plains of Kansas to someone who'd never seen them. No where else in the universe is there a sea of land for as far as your eyes can focus. She knew the sight well, had taken it for granted for years. Soft, low-rolling hills and wide, flat spans created a magnificent merger of land with a sky so blue it appeared imaginary, yet at this moment it seemed different—indescribable. Not the outlay, the grass, or the badland carvings, nor even the sky above, but for some reason the soul of the land felt different.
    She squeezed her eyes closed, rubbed at the lids with both hands before opening them again. Untouched. There was this overwhelming sense of purity around her. A thick, heavy glob formed in her throat. Pictures of her parents flashed before her eyes. Friends, acquaintances, fellow students. When the vision of Tabby, her cat, emerged, she bowed her head. “Oh, God, what am I going to do?"
    Skeeter felt as if he'd just been stabbed in the heart. Her wail, though barely uttered, shot through him like a hot knife. Unsure what else to do, he accepted an internal instinct and took her shaking body into a cradling embrace. He didn't talk, didn't tell her not to cry, just held her as the sobs continued to come. Rocking her back and forth, he let her cry until her weeping eased into small sniffles.
    After a heavy sigh left her chest, her breathing grew deep and even. Realizing she'd cried herself to sleep, he leaned back against the tree trunk. It seemed so right, cradling her as she slept. Poor little thing, she had to be exhausted. Of their own accord, his arms tightened, and he nestled his chin upon the top of her head.
    What was he going to do with her? He wasn't averse to helping a stranger in need, but a young, pregnant girl from the future—what could he do to help her? His mind searched, but came up empty at every corner, other than the unexpected awareness he enjoyed her company. His gaze went to the sky above. Normally not a selfish person, he contemplated the situation. It was as if he'd been given an astonishing gift, one he didn't ever want to have to give back.
    She struggled, just a mite, but enough for him to ease his hold as her slumbering form found a more comfortable position. Lush, soft, yet firm curves molded against his frame, fitting in like the comfort of a feather tick. His arms resettled, held her close. It was almost as unbelievable as the rest of the day—him, Skeeter Quinter sitting under a tree holding a gorgeous girl in his arms. Yet, it felt natural, almost like it should happen every day. And was a whole lot more fun than being a ghost.
    He leaned the back of his head against the tree. Natural or not, he had to figure out a way to help her. The summer breeze blew around the tree, rustling the oval leaves and keeping her sleeping form comfortable as he thought...and thought.
    He could try and dig out the tunnel, but that would take a month of Sundays and there was no guarantee the tunnel would still be magical. And even if he did start digging, she couldn't stay here. He'd been living in the cave on each trip to his land—didn't have a need for a house, but a woman, especially one as fine as Lila Scott couldn't live in a cave. A woman this fine needed a house. A big fine one like his older brother Kid owned.
    It was as if a light went on in his head. Of course! He'd take her home to Ma. She could stay there, and he'd have his brothers come back and help him dig. Kid wouldn't be able to come, he'd be too busy with his ranch, but the younger boys, Snake, Hog, and Bug would come. With four of them working, it wouldn't take long to dig out the tunnel, and he could test it, see if it still held the magic. Then go back and get her.
    He knew the moment she woke. An eyelash didn't flutter, nor did she squirm, but her breathing changed. His arms relaxed, gave her room to sit up. A few moments later, she did so. As