Distant Heart by Tracey Bateman Read Free Book Online Page B

have any husband than no husband at all.”
    â€œWell, I’m not one of them,” Toni replied flatly. “Truly, if I can set up a business for myself and take in sewing for a living, I’ll make do just fine.” And she truly would. Anything was better than going back to the life she had led. Oh, she knew people thought she’d end up at the first brothel she came to. But they didn’t know her. Never again.

Five
    The morning of Fannie’s wedding arrived dark and overcast, with the worrisome sound of thunder off in the distance.
    Toni went about morning chores, boiling coffee, fixing one egg each for Katie, Kip, Fannie, and herself. Plus a stack of flapjacks—a treat she saved only for special occasions and this was special enough to warrant pulling out the jar of honey she and Fannie had been saving. She’d already told Blake and Sam in no uncertain terms that they would have to find their breakfast elsewhere today. Fannie had too much to attend to and couldn’t be distracted on her wedding day.
    The sky rumbled, as the thunder brought its threat even closer. Toni held her breath for a long second and then breathed out.
    Everyone got a little jumpy when storms approached. It was understandable after a spring twister had slammed the wagon train, killing several folks including little Rebecca Kane. The loss of livestock and supplies had forced close to 150 travelers to turn back. An event that had lessened thetrain’s numbers from 400 to 250. Toni knew Sam and Blake weren’t happy with the smaller train now that they were in a territory where Indians were more likely to become hostile rather than simply ornery. They’d come across some, mainly curious; a few thieves had stolen livestock that had wandered outside the circle; but for the most part, their encounters with the natives had resulted in occasional trade and minor annoyances. Until two days ago. Toni had a sinking feeling that that may have just been the beginning of hostility between the Cheyenne and their wagon train.
    By the time Kip returned from his morning scouting expedition with Sam, Toni had breakfast ready. “Sam says to tell you we’re in for a washing in a little while, so you best cover anything you don’t want getting wet.”
    Toni couldn’t help the flutter in her stomach at the thought of a storm. “Did he say if it’s going to be bad?”
    â€œDidn’t say.” Kip helped himself to the plate Toni held out.
    â€œHe probably would have if it was supposed to be bad, right?”
    Gulping down a large bite, Kip gave a shrug. “I don’t know.”
    Toni expelled a huff. Why was she even asking a twelve-year-old boy for information? All he cared about was scouting with Blake, Sam, or Mr. Kelley, and stuffing himself with whatever she or Fannie set before him.
    Stirring coming from behind distracted her from the clouds and she turned to find Fannie, followed by Katie, exiting the wagon. Fannie frowned. “Is it going to storm?”
    â€œSam said rain’s definitely coming, but according to Kip, he didn’t think it was going to be bad.”
    Fannie nodded, but the frown remained firmly in place.
    Toni slipped an arm around her shoulders and gave her a squeeze. “Don’t worry. Nothing is going to ruin your wedding day. I wouldn’t hear of it.” She smiled at the bride. “And you know how firm I can be when I need to be.”
    Toni could tell Fannie was doing her best to force a smile. To prove she wasn’t a bit worried. But Toni saw right through the ruse. Fannie took the plate her friend held out. “I don’t see how I’ll ever be able to force down a bite.” Her gaze flickered to the west. Toni followed her gaze. She tensed as a streak of lightning brought a blast of thunder. Katie screamed and slid beneath the wagon.
    Toni caught Fannie’s trouble gaze just before her friend stooped down in front of