Westward Moon by Linda Bridey Read Free Book Online Page A

asked.
                  Sasha gave him a tight smile and said, “I’m afraid not.”
                  Dean nodded and remained silent as he finished his breakfast.  It was bad enough that the two women had had to travel alone, but he really did not like the idea of Sasha being completely alone on the road. Also, it sounded as though she’d be alone for the holidays and he thought that no one should be alone at Christmastime. 
                  “Sasha, is there anything at home that needs attention right away?” he asked.
                  It was an odd question, but Sasha thought about it.  She had no other animals besides the horses and no one to look after but herself.  She worked from home making quilts to sell and taking in laundry, so she didn’t have a job to worry about. 
                  “No.  Nothing urgent.  Why?” she asked.
                  “Well, it’s close to Christmas and I don’t like the thought of you travelling alone.  Why don’t you come along home with us until after New Year’s?  You’ll be safe with us and you won’t be alone at holiday time,” Dean said.
                  Sparrow’s face lit up.  “Please say yes!  You will like everyone and I would really like for everyone to meet the woman who rescued me.”
                  Jack nodded.  “I owe you, Sasha.  Pa’s right.  The weather might turn bad again and you won’t be able to dig that carriage out by yourself.  Come with us, Sasha.”
                  Reckless also encouraged her to join them.
                  Sasha didn’t know what to think.  “I couldn’t impose like that,” she said.
                  Jack said, “It’s not imposing if you’re invited.”
                  Sasha looked around at each of their expectant faces.  She admitted that she didn’t relish the idea of setting out on her own.  Jack’s statement was a wise one.  If she were to get stuck on the road, she might freeze or starve to death before someone came along.  What did she have to lose by going to Dawson for a while?
                  “Where would I stay?” she asked.
                  “She could stay in my old room,” Jack said.
                  “Where’s Sparrow going to stay?” Dean asked.
                  Jack said, “With me.”
                  “Jack,” Dean said, “She can’t.”
                  “Why not?  Mama stayed with us when she first came here.  She didn’t have a chaperone, did she?” Jack said in a challenging manner.
                  Dean kept a tight hold on his temper.  “I think we should discuss this later on.  Sasha, don’t worry; you’ll have a place to stay.”
                  Sasha said, “All right.  I’ll come with you.  I really would like to meet all of your friends and family, Sparrow.”
                  “You won’t be sorry,” Sparrow said.
                  Her bright smile made Jack’s heart pump faster and he wanted to kiss her.  He settled for holding her hand.
                  Dean said, “Ok.  It’s decided, then.  Jack, let’s get that team hitched up so we can leave.”
                  Jack gave his father an irritated glance and said, “Sure, Pa.”  Though his words were agreeable, there was an edge to his voice.
                  Father and son walked out to the barn.  They waved off the help of the stable hand and began their task.
                  Jack said, “Ok, Pa.  Let’s have it.”
                  Dean pursed his lips and then said, “Jack, the circumstances were different when Tessa came to Dawson.  There was no hotel and Charlie and Lydia had no more room for anyone.  All of the bunkhouses were full and she sure couldn’t stay