Read Online Robin Lee Hatcher by When Love Blooms - Free Book Online Page A

means to make things seem bigger or better than they really are.”
    The girl’s eyes widened. “You mean lie ? Ma wouldn’t ever tell a lie.”
    Emily laughed as she smoothed Petula’s hair back from her face. “Of course she wouldn’t. Your mother is a very honest woman.”
    “Girls?”
    They all turned at the sound of Dru’s voice.
    “Why don’t you take a break from your lessons and get some fresh air? You could take Miss Harris for a ride up to the ridge. There might not be another chance before we leave the basin, as cold as the nights are turning.”
    Sabrina pushed her pencil and paper toward the center of the table. “Will you come too, Ma? We could take a picnic lunch.”
    “No, darling. I think I’ll stay here and rest. I’m feeling quite tired today. But a picnic seems a good idea for all of you.”
    “Maybe we shouldn’t go, Mrs. Blake.” Emily rose from her chair and walked toward the fireplace.
    “Nonsense. I could use some peace and quiet.” Dru’s smile never reached her eyes. It was there and gone in an instant. “Go on and have some fun. It’s good for the children to get to know you better. You should be more than their teacher. I want you to be their friend too.”
    “Well, if you’re sure. I hate leaving you all alone. With the men gone, I — ”
    “I’ll be fine.” Dru flicked her fingers. “Go on with you. And have a good time.”
    Their faces wreathed in grins, the girls climbed the ladder to the loft and returned a short while later with britches on beneath their skirts.
    “We’ll get the horses into the barn and brush ’em down,” Sabrina told Emily. “But you’ll have to help with the saddles. I can get the saddle on the horses’ backs, but I’m not very good with the cinches.” A shadow of doubt darkened her eyes. “Can you do that?”
    “I’m an excellent horsewoman, Sabrina Blake. I can certainly help you with the saddles. I’ll change into riding attire and join you in the barn.”
    After the front door swung closed, Emily looked at Dru. “Is there anything I can get you before we go?”
    The woman shook her head, her eyes closed once again. “Just take care of my girls. When I’m not around, take care of my girls.”
    “Mrs. Blake?” Emily took another step forward. “Are you certain — ”
    “Yes, I’m certain.” She drew in a breath and released it. “I’ll enjoy having the house all to myself for a spell. Take some dried apples and slices of cheese and bread. You’ll be hungry by the time you reach the ridge.” Her smile looked strangely sad. “It’s one of my favorite places in the world,” she added in a whisper. Then she was silent. Perhaps she even slept.
    Emily hesitated a moment longer before she turned and walked to her bedroom, careful not to make a sound.

    Gavin slowed his horse as he approached the cabin. He’d left Stubs and Jess with the herd along the Salmon River yesterday. With the aid of Duke and Duchess — two of the best cow dogs he’d owned — the cowboys would drive the herd the rest of the way to the Lucky Strike.
    It hadn’t taken much encouragement from Stubs for Gavin to turn around and head back to the basin. Things had been quiet on the summer range this year, but he didn’t like leaving the women and children alone for long. The Bannock tribes had caused trouble on occasion, plus there were always a few strangers — most of them miners — wandering through the valley. Even though he’d only been gone a few days, he needed to know all was well with Dru and the girls . . . and Emily.
    As if summoned by his thoughts, Emily Harris stepped out the front door of the cabin. She wore a powder-blue riding habit with a matching bonnet swathed in darker blue netting. For all the world a woman of society, wealth, and beauty.
    He pulled his gelding to a halt.
    Although loathe to admit it, it had been her image that haunted his thoughts during the past four days. Emily smiling. Emily laughing. Emily hanging