Read Online One True Love by Lori Copeland - Free Book Online Page B

were young, most fine-looking. She wished Audrey were here, but then knew it wouldn’t matter. Her friend had eyes only for Eli Gray now. Copper was the lone spinster of the group, but she was so pleased with the happiness her friends had found.
    Mike lifted her off the horse, handed her the crutches, and they entered the station, Copper trying to appear thatshe was at complete ease with the wooden supports. As Mike delivered the mailbag, a private coach arrived. Moving to the window, Copper watched the activity until Mike led her over to the station attendant, pointing out the strange heart-shaped candy box on the counter.
    â€œMighty pretty, isn’t it?” The clerk held up the flowery box. “Designed by Richard Cadbury, for Valentine’s Day.” A nearby soldier took it from the clerk and patted his treasure. “I won the chocolates from a gentleman in a hand of poker. Taking it back to my wife when I get leave next month.”
    â€œIt’s most exquisite,” Copper noted. And she’d bet the creams and bonbons inside were pure heaven.
    Finally Mike said they’d best be getting back to camp. When they exited the small building, ten grinning soldiers awaited Copper, two of them holding the mare’s reins.
    She glanced at Mike and smiled. “Why thank you, gentlemen.” Mike stepped up and lifted her into the saddle, then took the crutches. There was an unspoken, but not to be ignored, curiosity concerning the supports and injury. She explained about the accident, and that she was on her way to Fort Riceson to have it looked after. Finally, Mike led the horse away, leaving the young men with hats off and eyes focused on her.
    When they approached the outside corral, the guard called out, “Who goes there?”
    â€œFriend of the guard!” Mike returned. Any other answer would risk a nervous sentry shooting first and asking questions later.
    Inside the camp perimeter, Mike lifted Copper off the mare and led the animal to the corral.
    A male voice sounded from the shadows. “Out a little late, aren’t you, Miss Wilson?”
    She turned to see Redlin leaning against the back of Adele’s wagon, looking better than any man had a right to look after a long day’s ride.
    She glanced up, assessing the sky. “No, I don’t believe that I am, Mr. Redlin.” She smiled. “Is there a curfew?”
    He slowly removed a piece of straw he’d been chewing on, his eyes skimming her lazily. “No curfew. Just thought it was time most folks were in bed. Cavorting with soldiers leaves a bad taste in some of the women’s mouths.”
    â€œCavorting!” Steam built in her brain. She lowered her voice. Sadie and Adele were most likely asleep for the night, but she couldn’t be sure. “What woman even hinted at indiscretion?” she whispered harshly. “Tell me this instant, I’ll go set her straight right now. I accompanied Mike to mail the—” She stopped. “Wait a minute. How do you know where I’ve been?” Was he spying on her? What right did he have to guard her like she was a prisoner?
    He kept his tone low but to the point. “It’s my business to know where my people are, and like it or not, you’re one of my people at the moment.”
    â€œAt the moment. Speaking of which, how much longer do I have to endure you?”
    â€œWell, let me see. If it doesn’t become a downpour in the next couple of days, which it looks like it might, we’ll be at the fort in three days or so.”
    She crossed her arms, allowing one crutch to fall. Here we go again. Why hadn’t she held her tongue? Now he’d bait her, and she would be ripe for the catch.
    â€œOf course, heavy rain will make the river crossing between here and the fort a bit more difficult. The Buffalo can get pretty ugly this time of year if it’s up and running. We have twenty-five rigs to get across. Should