Distant Heart by Tracey Bateman Read Free Book Online Page A

bother.”
    Fannie, who had remained outside, poked her head in. “I’ll be there in a minute,” she said to Toni.
    Toni nodded and closed the canvas flap in order to give her friend some privacy. She heard the low tones of an intimate conversation and then silence. They must be sharing a goodnight kiss. Toni smiled. And just earlier today, Fannie had been on the verge of calling the whole thing off. Thank goodness the girl had come to her senses. Blake wasn’t always the most sensitive of men, but it was clear he loved Fannie a great deal.
    A few more minutes passed and finally Fannie returned. “How was the celebration at the fort?” Toni asked, practically pouncing on the chance for conversation with her dearest friend. She couldn’t wait to tell Fannie about her swim and Sam rescuing her after the snake swam across her legs.
    But one look at Fannie’s face and Toni knew her friend needed to talk about something much more important.
    â€œWell?” Toni asked, her patience scarcely allowing for Fannie to change into her bed clothes. Fannie’s hands trembled as she worked the buttons on the blue dress, but her eyes shone.
    â€œThe scouts were right. There’s a preacher at the fort.”
    â€œIs Blake speaking with him?”
    She nodded and slid onto her pallet, lying on top of the covers. “He already did.” Taking a quick, deep breath, she lay on her side, head resting in the palm of her hand. “Tomorrow is the day. The Captain said we can hold another dance and he’s arranged for Blake and me to have private quarters for the rest of our stopover.”
    â€œFannie, that’s wonderful.” And it truly was wonderful. Only a twinge of regret pinched Toni’s heart now that the plans had indeed been made.
    â€œBlake is purchasing a wagon and team.”
    â€œI assumed he would.” Toni tried to keep the tremble from her voice.
    â€œDo you know what that means?”
    Toni turned on her side, facing Fannie and rested her head in her own palm. “You’ll be driving your wagon since Blake has to ride on horseback.”
    Fannie nodded. “Are you going to be all right driving the wagon alone every day?”
    â€œI’ll be fine.” But she wasn’t sure she would be. There would be no one to take over when she needed to walk, no one to talk to…Toni hated things to change. As happy as she was for her friend, she was beginning to see her future for what it was. Alone on the trail, and once they reached Oregon she’d be alone for the rest of her life. She knew Blake would not allow Fannie to be her friend once they arrived at their destination. It would bring too much shame to their home. Tears burned her eyes. She brushed them away quickly.
    As though reading her thoughts, Fannie sat up and reached for Toni’s hand. “The right man will find his way to you, Toni.”
    A short laugh escaped Toni’s lips. “There is no right man out there for me.”
    â€œWhat about Sam?”
    At her friend’s words, Toni once again relived the moments of comfort in Sam’s arms. But it was useless. “Oh, Fannie. We’ve discussed this before. Sam’s first love is God. A woman like me could never be good enough. He deserves someone…better. Pure.”
    â€œBut…”
    Toni slid her hand away from Fannie’s. “Let’s not discuss this. I’d rather talk about tomorrow and how lovely you’re going to look in your new wedding gown.”
    â€œOh, Toni. I wish…”
    â€œDon’t wish, Fannie. I’m resigned to knowing I’ll be alone forever.”
    â€œBlake says there are several men to every one woman in Oregon. Surely you could find a man.”
    â€œGoodness, Fannie. I’d rather be alone than marry a man that settled for me just because he needs a wife.”
    â€œI suppose you’re right. Still, some women think it’s better to