[Song of Alaska 02] - Morning's Refrain by Tracie Peterson Read Free Book Online Page A

happy to share praise for her father’s accomplishments. He and the governor had both been highly honored for their service.
    The ladies continued to exchange pleasantries until the sound of an approaching wagon reached their ears. Phoebe couldn’t help but feel a nervous anticipation when Mrs. Lindquist announced that her son and daughters had returned.
    “I’d love to show you around the property,” Mrs. Lindquist told Phoebe’s mother. “Would you care to see my home?”
    “Oh, please.” She looked to Phoebe rather conspiratorially. “I was hoping for just such an invitation.”
    The ladies laughed at this. Mrs. Lindquist waved to her children. The little girls leaped from the wagon into their brother’s strong arms before flying up the walk to greet their mother.
    “Dalton promised to take us to see the jellyfish. Can we go today?” the smallest one asked.
    “Where are your manners, Miss Britta?” Mrs. Lindquist asked.
    The girl paused. Her eyes grew wide. Giving a brief curtsy toward Phoebe and her mother, the little girl offered her apology. “I am sorry, and I am perfectly happy to meet you.”
    Phoebe couldn’t suppress a giggle. She dipped in return. “And I am perfectly happy to meet you.”
    “I’m Kjerstin,” her sister announced. “She’s Britta.”
    “And I am Phoebe, and this is my mother, Mrs. Robbins.”
    After a moment of silence, Britta turned back to her mother. “So can we go see the jellyfish?”
    “Not just yet,” their mother replied. “Why don’t you run upstairs and change your clothes. I was just about to give Mrs. Robbins a tour of the house. I believe Miss Phoebe would like to speak to your brother.”
    Britta leaned close to Phoebe. “Don’t let him kiss you. He’s been eating lutefisk.”
    Phoebe had no idea what lutefisk was, but the fact that Dalton’s little sister would tell a complete stranger not to kiss her brother was rather shocking. She didn’t know what to say, and when she looked up to meet the equally surprised faces of the women around her, she was further humiliated to find Dalton had overheard the entire thing.
    He only laughed. “Britta, you are such a ninny.”
    Everyone chuckled except Phoebe. She felt hopelessly embarrassed and quickly moved away from the group. “I’ll be right back.” She made her way to the wagon, where she’d left the cookies. Taking several deep breaths, she fought against the pounding of her heart.
    My, but his eyes were even bluer than she’d remembered. He had a stubbly growth of whiskers that suggested he’d not shaved that day, and all Phoebe could think about was touching his face.
    “You are the ninny,” she chided herself in a mumble.
    She reached over the side of the wagon for the plate of cookies and had just lifted them over the edge when Dalton spoke from directly behind her.
    “Might I help you?”
    Phoebe had such a start that she threw the plate high into the air. This was followed by a muffled cry and a frantic flailing to secure the lost treats.
    Losing her balance, she stumbled back against Dalton. He tried to steady her, but they both realized too late that this was impossible. He fell backward, his hands still secured about her waist. Phoebe followed him down, landing on top of his stomach—and a loud groan broke the silence. The only problem was, it wasn’t her loud groan.
    “I’m so sorry.” She tried to free herself, but her gown was caught beneath his hip. When she fought to pull it away, Dalton quickly raised up. When he did so, the dress released and Phoebe pitched face-first onto the ground.
    Realizing that further action might only serve to cause more humiliation, Phoebe remained still for a moment. She didn’t know exactly what to do. If she got up, she would have to face Dalton. But if she didn’t get up, he might think her injured and make an even bigger fuss. Finally, she leaned up on her elbow and shot him a sheepish smile. “So much for kissing.”
    Dalton burst into a