Read Online Love's Story by Kristin; Dianne; Billerbeck Christner - Free Book Online

expectancy of only seven years, so dangerous is the job. I stand beneath the canopied trees, whose roots entangle the logger’s heart—wooing dreams and sapping life’s blood—and ask, “Don’t you worry about the dangers?”
    â€œMen need to set their minds on their work, not the dangers,” I was told. And not only are these men’s minds on their work, but their hearts….
    Thatcher Talbot refolded the worn, now fragile, newspaper in a reverent gesture and laid it back on the mess hall table. When he read his quote, his heart swelled with appreciation. The reporter would not praise without merit. She had seen into their souls. She understood.
    Ever since he had laid eyes on her on the train, she had intrigued him, her beauty and spirit slinking their way into his inner being. If she was this perceptive, this deeply moved, perhaps she was worth knowing.
    But his life held so many uncertainties right now that it wouldn’t be wise to form any kind of an attachment. He shook his head. The eastern reporter had wormed her contrary self into his every thought and emotion, and he didn’t know what to do about it. And now, her name was praise on every man’s lips in the camp.
    Someone entered the tent, and Thatcher looked up. “Silas,” he motioned. “What do you think of this article?”

    Mrs. Cooper was as pleased as a woodpecker in a dead tree, doing what she liked to do best, entertain.
    â€œPass the meat, dear,” Mrs. Cooper said. “Miss Mears used to write the society column in New York City.”
    â€œHow very interesting,” Beatrice Bloomfield, the banker’s wife, said. “You must find it very dull in Buckman’s Pride.”
    â€œIndeed not.” Meredith smiled at the woman, so near her own age, the one who had snubbed her in town. “Just the other day, the Wiley twins were born. Did you read my article?”
    â€œWell yes, I did. But we both know that’s a rare occasion.”
    â€œNonsense. This town is a writer’s dream come true.”
    â€œAnd how is that?” The dark-haired beauty asked.
    â€œBuckman’s Pride oozes with adventure, Wild West, romance, interesting people, and determination. I like the spirit of this town.”
    â€œAs do I,” Jonah said as he stabbed a piece of meat with his fork. “I’ll find it very hard to leave.”
    â€œMust you leave?” Mrs. Cooper asked.
    â€œI’ll give that question some serious thought.” His intense gaze made Mrs. Cooper’s blue eyes sparkle in the same cornflower blue as the floral-patterned coffee cup poised next to her cheek.
    â€œWe would consider you a valuable addition to our community,” The banker replied.
    â€œAnd you?” Beatrice Bloomfield asked, her brown-eyed gaze fixed on Meredith.
    â€œI plan to return. My father lives in New York.”
    â€œOh? Does he greatly influence your life, my dear?” Mrs. Cooper asked.
    â€œYes, I suppose he does,” Meredith said. There was a general silence around the table, and Mrs. Cooper passed the food again. Finally, Meredith asked, “Is there a women’s auxiliary in Buckman’s Pride?”
    â€œWhy, yes. We have the Women’s Circle, which does charitable deeds,” Beatrice Bloomfield said. Her thin lips formed a smug smile.
    â€œMay I come to one of your meetings?” Meredith asked. “I could do an article on your work.”
    â€œWell, I couldn’t say without discussing it first with the other ladies.”
    â€œWe have a meeting next Monday night, don’t we, Beatrice?” Mrs. Cooper asked. “I’ll remind you to bring it up.”
    â€œBut it might interfere with Miss Mears’s more important projects, traipsing off to Bucker’s Stand and all.”
    â€œTraipsing?” Meredith repeated in an insulted tone.
    â€œYou do ride unaccompanied to the men’s camp.”
    â€œI