Read Online Anna's Heart (Wilderness Brides Book 2) by Peggy L Henderson - Free Book Online Page B

man had suggested he take Anna to Oregon. He was not going to be held responsible for her safety. What if something happened to her along the way? He wasn’t going down that road again.
    Aimee laughed. “Your matchmaking efforts haven’t paid off, have they? You can’t force something like that, Harley,” she added softly. “I hope Anna finds what she’s looking for in Oregon. I was miserable when Daniel’s father forced me out of the mountains, thinking he was doing what was best for me. If Daniel hadn’t found me again, my life would have been completely different.”
    “Good thing ya come back,” Harley said. “Many men woulda gone under if ya hadn’t been around with yer healin’ skills.”
    “I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”
    Feet shuffled across the floor, and the kettle used to heat water clanked. Aimee’s voice drew closer to where Ethan still stood next to his bunk. He fumbled with his boots and pushed aside the curtain, stepping into the main room.
    “Oh, good. You’re awake,” Aimee said brightly, stirring a spoon in a cup at the table. She stopped and walked up to him. “How’s the hand?”
    “All right.” Ethan pushed his foot fully into his boot and straightened. “When am I gonna have full use of it again?”
    Aimee scrutinized him, her eyes wandering to his unbuttoned shirt. A knowing smile passed over her lips.
    “The less you use it for a while, the faster it will heal. I put a thick bandage on it to keep your hand as protected and immobile as possible. If you follow my instructions, it should be better again in a couple of weeks.”
    Ethan cursed silently. How was he going to get any work done for two weeks with only one hand? He couldn’t even button his shirt. Aimee stepped up to him, as if she’d read his mind. She reached for the buttons on his shirt, but he shot her a look, silently telling her he didn’t want her help. He’d known Aimee Osborne for years, but her motherly gesture at the moment only added salt to his wounds.
    “You’re going to have to swallow your pride and let people help you,” she said with an indulgent smile and dropped her hands. “I know it’s hard, but your family cares about you, and a few days of being at their mercy and letting them do things for you is better than a lifetime of a useless hand.” She reached up and patted his arm. “I left a pouch with willow bark and some mint on the table.” She pointed to the cup at the table. “There’s tea ready for you and Caroline and Trevor know how to change your bandage. Listen to them.” She jabbed her finger into his chest.
    Ethan nodded wordlessly. She was right, but he didn’t have to like it.
    She glared up at him. For her small stature, Aimee Osborne was an imposing woman. “Get some rest today. You still don’t look well. Keep chewing mint, and drink as much water as your stomach can handle.”
    “You leaving?”
    Aimee nodded. “I just wanted to check on you before we go. Daniel’s getting the horses ready. We’ve already said our goodbyes to everyone. As much as he wanted to get away from home for a while, he’s anxious to get back.”
    Ethan followed her out of the cabin. Daniel Osborne sat on his horse, his flintlock draped across his lap. The old trapper smiled at his wife, then raised his hand in a gesture of farewell.
    He nodded at Harley, who helped Aimee mount her horse, then turned his attention to Ethan. “Come visit when you can,” he said. “Sam and Chase will be glad for the company.”
    Ethan raised his bandaged hand. “Once I’m healed, I just might do that. Like you, it’ll do me some good to get away from this valley for a while.” He shot a quick look at Harley, who chuckled.
    “If’n ya go ta Oreegun, ya’ll get away fer a while, too,” the old codger mumbled.
    Ethan scowled and shook his head. Once Aimee and Daniel were out of sight, he headed back into the cabin without another word to Harley. He wasn’t going to let the old man corner