A Bride for Logan by Barbara Goss (free children's online books TXT) 📗

and didn’t pass her or any houses. There isn’t a road going east or west. She has to have gone north.”

“Sounds logical,” Alan said.

This time they trotted the horses and scanned the sides of the road for any signs of Emma as they rode.

“The Andersons must have been the only house around here,” Alan said. “I can’t imagine living in a place like this. You’d have to go miles to find a neighbor in an emergency.”

Logan stopped and pointed. “Is that a lane off to the right?”

“It sure looks like it. Should we ride down that way?”

“Let’s check it out first.” Logan trotted to the lane. He was excited to see that it led to a house. “Alan, someone lives down there.”

“She would have gone there, I’m sure of it.”

“Let’s go,” Logan cried, giving his horse a nudge.

~~~**~~~

“Thank you for another lovely dinner, Rachel,” Emma said. “I’ve enjoyed my stay here, but when is Tim due to return?”

“There’s never a set date for his return. He drives his cattle to Dodge City or Abilene along with his crew and they stay there until they sell the cattle and put them on a train to a market in Chicago. The trip takes weeks. From experience, I figure he’ll be home sometime this week. It all depends on so many things, though, like the weather, sickness, a broken axle on the chuck wagon…no one can predict their exact return.”

“How often does he have to go on cattle drives?”

“Just once a year, thankfully. I miss him terribly, and it’s lonely here without neighbors. When we first moved here, we had the Andersons. They were an older couple. They moved to Kansas City after the fire. I used to walk the three miles to visit Clara Anderson once a week.”

“Maybe someone will buy their property,” Emma said.

“I hope so.” Rachel stood. “Let’s take our tea out on the front porch. I love watching the wild rabbits play in the yard in the early evening.”

The women carried their cups through the dining and sitting rooms. They were about to open the front door when someone knocked on it.

Rachel gasped as the sound had startled her. She set her cup down on a nearby table. “I always get alarmed when someone comes to the door because we’re so isolated here. It scares me.”

Emma set her cup down. “Let’s peek out the window first.”

“That’s a good idea, Emma.”

Rachel pulled the curtain back an inch and peered out. “Two men, and I don’t know either. I don’t know what to do.”

Curious, Emma peered out. “Logan and Alan!” She ran to the door, opened it, flew out, and looked up at them for a moment. She knew Rachel would expect her to fly into her husband’s arms. So she did.

Rachel stayed in the background and watched through the door.

Emma felt Logan’s arms tighten around her. She’d only meant to greet him as a wife would, but he wouldn’t let her pull away. His grip grew tighter and tighter. Finally, he loosened his hold on her.

“Thank, God!” he said. “I’ve been so worried.”

Emma gave Alan a loose embrace. She took Logan’s hand and said, “Come inside. I want you to meet—”

“Mrs. Bradley,” Rachel interjected from the doorway.

“How do you do?” Logan said.

“Nice to meet you,” Alan added.

Mrs. Bradley, this is my husband, Logan Sinclair, and our friend, Alan Hershel."

Emma escorted them into the sitting room. She hadn’t given Rachel a second thought until she’d told them her name was Mrs. Bradley. Emma thought the day might become even more interesting. Obviously, Logan didn’t recognize Rachel. He must have been young when she'd left the ranch. She’d have to remember to call Rachel Mrs. Bradley, as it seemed Rachel didn’t want her identity known.

In the sitting room, Emma sat beside Logan, and she explained. “When Dallas and Trixie left me at the barn, I didn’t know where to go, so I started to walk. I came upon this lovely home, and Mrs. Bradley took me in and has been so gracious. I’ve been here three days already.”

Logan let his arm slip around Emma’s shoulders. “I failed to protect you. I’m sorry.”

“No, Logan. It was my fault. I’m the one who led Dallas to Hunter’s Grove. Now he’s gone with all of your money and two of your horses. I’m the one who’s sorry.”

“We caught them in Russell,” Alan said. “We got the money back, but he shot Logan and ran off with the two horses.”

“He shot Logan?” Emma looked up at Logan. “Are you all right?”

“It was just a flesh wound,” Logan said.

“Where?” For some reason, Emma was truly upset and worried. At the same time, she knew she had to play the part of the loving wife for Rachel’s benefit. Playing the part was easy because she might not be in love with Logan, but she did care about him, and this was all her fault.

Logan seemed more loving toward her than usual. Was he playing a role, too?

“My shoulder.”

Rachel remained quiet.

Logan removed his arm from around Emma and took her hand in his. “I think we should head back to Hunter’s Grove.”

“Excuse me for interrupting,” Rachel said, “but it’s quite a distance to Hunter’s Grove, and it’ll be dark in another two hours. I insist you all spend the night and leave first thing in the morning.”

 “She’s right, Logan,” Alan said. “You and Emma will have to ride double, and that means a slower pace home.”

“That’s very kind of you, Mrs. Bradley. We’ll accept your offer. Are you sure you have room for us all?” Logan asked.

“Well, let’s see. The room Emma’s been sleeping in will be fine for you two, and Alan can sleep on the settee.” Rachel looked at Alan. “It’s very