A Valentine's Choice: A Montana Sky Series Holiday Novella (The Montana Sky Series) Read Online Free PDF Page A

her sister in this new land, but when she looked at her twin’s stiff shoulders and the firm set of her chin, she held in a selfish complaint. Parting would be far more difficult on timid Alana. To leave the safety of her sister’s side and go amongst strangers—no matter that they were kin—took courage. Unexpected pride surged in her. For this crisis, Alana was the best choice. “My sister is right,” Bridget said, stepping close to Alana in solidarity.
    Sally’s shoulders slumped in defeat.
    Bridget glanced from the couple to Mrs. Thompson. “Will…will it be all right for me to stay here? I could help Sally…”
    Harry rose, his expression clearing. “I’d be obliged for you to do so, Cousin Bridget. You’re welcome, indeed. I haven’t felt right for Mrs. Thompson to remain here with Sally when I know how much else she has to do.” He shot Mrs. Thompson a look as if to quell an objection. His gaze swung back to her. “It would ease my mind to have Sally’s kin with her.”
    Sally touched Harry’s elbow. “But how is Alana to get to my family’s?”
    James moved forward. His swift glance toward Mrs. Thompson obviously asked for permission. “I’ll take her.”
    Harry made a negating motion with his hand. “Thank you for the offer, James. But I will do the honors for Cousin Alana. I know my way. And it’s my duty to my new family.”
    “But not until tomorrow,” Mrs. Thompson said firmly.
    Sally made a weak sound of protest.
    Mrs. Thompson leaned over and patted Sally’s hand. “Alana has had a long journey and must rest. Even if they left this minute, she and Harry couldn’t make it to your family’s farm before dark. It’s too dangerous driving on the prairie on a winter’s night.” She glanced at Harry. “And you’re to stay there if they need you. We’ll take care of your wife while you’re gone.”
    Silence followed her words.
    Sally exchanged an anguished look with her husband.
    Bridget’s heart went out to her. Newly married, happy, a baby on the way, then this bad news to dash their wedded bliss.
    James cleared his throat. “I’ll just leave these here and go see to Dusty.” He hefted the two sacks of potatoes before setting them in the corner.
    Harry nodded. “I’m sure you ladies would like some privacy. I’ve got to check on a horse or two, and there’s plenty of work we can do in the barn. We’ve been putting off the leather repair until there was more time. One of my reins is wearing thin. ’Bout to snap any day now, probably when I’m after an ornery steer.”
    “I must go also.” Mrs. Thompson glanced at Bridget and Alana. “Once the two of you and Sally have caught up, please come over to the big house and take advantage of our bathing room. Bring any clothes that need washing, and Mrs. Toffels will see they are cleaned. We’ll hang them over the stove in the kitchen to dry. And of course, you’ll have supper with us tonight. All of you.”
    Bridget stepped up to James and touched his arm—a daring gesture toward a man who was practically a stranger, even if he didn’t feel like one. “I don’t know how to thank ye for yer kindness, James. We would have been lost without yer assistance.”
    His gaze remained steady on her, although spots of color appeared on his cheeks. “I’m glad to help. I reckon you, uh, you and your sister are safe now.”
    Safe. She hadn’t felt safe for a long time—not since Ma died and their funds dwindled—she’d known they had only a few months before they could no longer pay the rent on their cottage. They hadn’t even had time to send a letter to Montana as a warning of their arrival.
    Although Bridget didn’t like to feel beholden to her kin, Sally and her family needed the twins’ help, which made her feel purposeful and went a long way to soothe the pricking of her conscience at foisting the two of them on their family.
    After James, Harry, and Mrs. Thompson left, the three girls looked at each other in