Read Online An Unexpected Mother (The Colorado Brides Series Book 4) by Carré White - Free Book Online Page A

be special to you. You boys have been through so much. I can’t imagine losing my family like that. You’re very brave.”
    “We got no choice, Fanny,” said Peter. “We made a pact to stick together, and that’s what we’re gonna do.”
    His chest puffed out fractionally, and I couldn't help smiling. “That sounds like a solid plan.”
    “You’re not gonna split us up, are you?”
    I glanced at Connor. “Split you up?”
    “Send us to different families. I want to be with my brothers and sisters.”
    “Who said that?”
    “Jane thinks you’re plannin’ on it.”
    “No.” Anger pricked. “Absolutely not. I have no intention of separating any of you.”
    His expression lightened, a smile emerging. “That’s a mighty big relief.”
    “It sure is,” said Peter.
    “Well, we should hurry or we’ll be late.”
    I would have to speak to Jane. I had to put a stop to the speculation, which was erroneous. My life would never be the same again now that I had unexpectedly become a mother of five, but I fully planned to adjust to this change in circumstance. I had begun to accept my fate, although I was still reeling from the shock.
    Once the children had been situated within the wagon, George, Hannah’s Labrador retriever trotted towards us, his expression excited, and, before I could stop him, he jumped onto the conveyance. This delighted the boys, and Susanna squealed with glee.
    “Oh, for goodness sake. That dog. George. You can’t come!”
    Hannah appeared on the porch with Letty in her arms. “I’m sorry about that. He’s used to going to town.”
    “Can’t he be with us, Fanny?” asked Peter. “We might need him if the Indian’s attack.”
    “There aren’t many Indians left around here.” I glanced at Hannah. “Can you spare the rascal?”
    “Please take him. He’ll be completely underfoot, if you don’t.”
    Mother appeared. “Wait!” She raced down the steps. “I have a small list for the mercantile. I need a few things. Here’s some money.”
    “Is there anything else? We’ll be late, if we don’t go now.”
    Letty waved. “Bye! Bye, bye, bye.”
    I stepped onto the wagon, sitting next to Jane and Mary. “Are we ready? Do you have your school things?”
    “Yes, Mrs. Hatch.” Jane’s expression was stern.
    “Oh, very well, but you don’t have to be so formal. Fanny will do fine.” I pulled on the reins. “Yah!”
    It was nearly an hour before the outlines of Denver City emerged; the wooden buildings flanked a thick, dusty thoroughfare. The school was past the church, and I gazed at the white-painted building, seeing a horse and wagon on one side. Pastor Bailey was in attendance. I had no desire to stop and talk to him. Pulling into the schoolyard, I bid the Hatch children a good day. The boys and Susanna played in the yard, while Jane and Mary spoke to several older girls. They hardly paid me any attention as I left. After I had purchased the items at the mercantile, I rushed to the wagon, hurrying home for lunch. I kept an eye on the clock all day, knowing I would have to leave to retrieve the children an hour prior to the school’s closure. It occurred to me that traveling four hours a day was a huge inconvenience.
    The day went by far too fast, and, once I reached the school, Louisa had pulled in before me, helping Annie into the wagon. “Hello!” I called.
    “Hello, Fanny.” She smiled. “I must have missed you this morning.”
    “We were a little late.”
    She approached, wearing a yellow bonnet. “I don’t envy your drive. Mine is only a half an hour.”
    I lowered my voice. “Oh, gracious. How will I do this every day?”
    “Isn’t Pastor Bailey taking them on Thursday?”
    “Yes, but this arrangement is dreadful. Perhaps I should just keep them all week, but then there’s the horrible drive.”
    “Well, you could teach from home, I suppose. In the winter, after a storm, we stay at the house. It’s impossible to go around in three feet of snow. There