Read Online Mail Order Bride: Westward Christmas Novel (Montana Mail Order Brides, Book 11) by Linda Bridey - Free Book Online Page B

they play.”
    Sasha looked over at the Lakota woman and tried to smile. “I see.”
    “You have never been here before and do not know our ways.  All is well,” Wind Spirit said gently.
    “But aren’t you afraid Raven will get hurt?” Sasha asked.
    Wind Spirit chuckled.  “My son is fast and strong.  He may not win, but he will not get hurt.”
    Ben saw Sasha’s fright and dropped his hands, indicating to Raven that there would be no fight.  “Another time, Raven.”
    Raven frowned.  “Why?”
    “I need to get back to the clinic.  Is there anyone else that you know of who is sick, Wind Spirit?” Ben said.
    Wind Spirit shook her head.  “No one.  Please ask my son if he has heard of anyone needing you.”
    “Please tell my mother that no one has mentioned anything to me, but that if I do hear of any sickness, I will let you know,” Raven answered.
    Sasha thought this exchange was strange.  The two people conversing were right there and yet they were communicating through Ben.  She didn’t understand, but kept her own counsel for the time being.
    “Ben, please tell my mother that I am going to the ranch, but that I will be back soon after dark.  That is where I will be should Father need me,” Raven said with a glance at his mother.  He offered her a quick smile and looked back at Ben.
    “Tell my son that I understand and will let my husband know.”
    Raven nodded, and with a pat to Ben’s shoulder jogged off.
    “Thank you, Wind Spirit,” Ben said.  “I’ll be back next week, but as always, let me know if I’m needed.”
    “You are welcome, Ben,” Wind Spirit said.
    “Pardon my bad manners,” Ben said, and introduced the two women, who smiled at each other.
    Then Ben led Sasha back to their horses.  Brown Otter came running after them and jumped at Ben, who caught him with ease and hugged the little fellow.  Then Brown Otter reached out to Sasha.  Sasha was a little startled, but there was no way she could ever refuse a hug to any child who wanted one.  She came closer to Ben and he handed off Brown Otter to her.
    The boy was strong and held on tightly for a few moments.  Then he was ready to be put down and Sasha released him.  He signed something to Ben as he looked at Sasha with a big smile.  Brown Otter then laughed and ran away.
    Sasha looked at Ben with curiosity.  “What was that all about?”
    “He said that you are a beautiful maiden and that he will marry you some day,” Ben said with a grin.
    Sasha broke out in laughter and Ben joined her.  “Lord knows I love that boy, but he’s got competition,” he said as he helped Sasha mount.
    Sasha said, “Ben, I appreciate that you are a gentleman, but I can mount and dismount on my own, not to mention drive a team of horses.”
    Ben smiled.  “My apologies, Sasha.  Helping women with such things is something that was drilled into me as a young man.”
    “No need to apologize,” she said as she took up Ingrid’s reins.
    Ben inclined his head and then mounted.  “I wonder how day one of Joe’s gambling-free week is going?” he said.
    Sasha said, “I’m sure it must be interesting watching him resist it.”
    Ben moved his horse ahead of her onto the trail.  He laughed softly and said, “It certainly must.”
     

Chapter Seven
     
                  No withdrawal could have been worse than what Joe was going through.  Everywhere he looked there were possible bets to be made.  On which of his horses was going to win during their training runs, how soon it would rain, which turkey Cook had bought was the heaviest, or if George Levine was going to croak that day.  It was only his fierce determination to best Ben that kept him from making bets, even when he started to sweat with frustration. 
                  Joe began doing what he did anytime he had a vexing problem.  He distracted himself by doing things that he loved.  Often that was gambling, but since that was out, he played with