One True Love by Lori Copeland Read Free Book Online Page A

something worthwhile.
    The answer came surprisingly easily.
    Â 
    Only one problem troubled her. She hadn’t factored Josh Redlin into the equation.
    The wagon train rumbled over rain-soaked trails, and she mulled over the best way to approach the ogre without upsetting him. She had no doubt that he was true to his word, and if she caused him an ounce of trouble he’d set her off at the next town, though strangely enough he had indulged her earlier break for freedom. Maybe Sadie had influenced his thinking. The woman clearly wanted that man, even though Redlin was younger than she. Sadie didn’t seem to fit with the wagon master, yet stranger things had happened.
    After supper, Copper once again eased from the wagon and set off to find the testy wagon master. The crutches were clumsy and made her armpits sore. She stumbled more than she walked. This was so humiliating. She must have made a pretty sight when she found him beside the chuck wagon, shaving. Flushed, hair hanging loose, she leaned on a support and waited for him to notice her. Finally his eyes briefly acknowledged her and he continued his task, focused on the mirror hanging from a tree limb.
    â€œThis makes twice that you’ve been on that ankle today. Do you think that’s wise?”
    â€œI’m not putting my weight on it. I use the other foot.”
    â€œWhatever.”
    â€œMay I approach you?” She felt like a lowly servant begging permission to approach the king.
    He remained focused on his chore. “I thought we had an agreement.”
    â€œWe do, but since you’re boss…” Oh, how she hated to admit his superiority. “I’ll be forced to consult you from time to time.”
    He bent to run the straight razor closer to his nose, and she could have sworn he was grinning. “What’s on your mind?”
    She explained about the noon meal and witnessing the children’s rapt interest in knowledge, or at least in the book Tom Brown’s Schooldays .
    When she finished her presentation she held her breath. He’d refuse her. He was just ornery enough to make the children suffer because he didn’t like her.
    He straightened, absently wiping cream off his face. “Do you feel up to giving a lesson every day?”
    â€œI’m in pain, but I refuse to lie in that wagon and be medicated all the way to Fort Riceson. I would very much appreciate the opportunity to do something to pass the time.”
    He set the razor aside, and reached for a towel. “That’s right admirable of you, Miss Wilson.”
    â€œThen you’ll permit me to teach?”
    â€œIf you feel up to the task, I have no objection. The mothers on the train should be very grateful.”
    â€œI haven’t spoken to anyone but you about this.”
    He winked. “You’re learning.”
    There it was; the tone. That maddening pitch like he was her father and she was a willful child. “Learning what?”
    â€œYou’re learning you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar.”
    Vinegar indeed.
    â€œYou do like to gloat, don’t you?”
    â€œMiss Wilson.”
    She clamped down on her tongue. Turning her back on him, she shuffled off, but not before she stuck her tongue out at him.
    If it hadn’t been for that dratted shaving mirror nailed on the tree, she’d have gotten away with it too.

Chapter 6
    S o once again Copper turned a page in her Book of Life. She had found renewed purpose, and if there was one essential ingredient to life, it was purpose, a solid reason to get up every dawn and start afresh.
    She spent the afternoon jotting down items she needed for her small school. Among the wagon train some families would have books, and others would have pencils and paper. The proposed school would have juniper and peachleaf willows for walls, the sky for a roof, and God’s good earth for flooring. There’d be no warm building in which to educate the