His Passionate Pioneer Read Online Free PDF Page B

as well as permission. Though Margaret appeared far less thrilled, when Anna promised to do all the dishes after the meal, her sister told her to have a nice walk.
    Thanking them, Anna ran up the stairs and grabbed her shawl from its hook. She was halfway back down when she drew to a stop. All her life, she 'd been the stubborn one—the one asking questions and protesting against being told how to act. However, she'd allowed herself to be led, goaded and guided into doing things she hadn't previously given a second thought, and all by the man standing downstairs. It took hearing her younger brothers tromping inside and asking Richard if he wanted to watch them shoot bottles with their slingshots that had her feet flying down the remaining steps.
    "I'm ready," she said, practically sliding into Richard, the soles of her ankle boots slipping on the freshly polished floor.
    "Where are ya'll going?" Paul, her youngest brother asked, his slingshot already out of his back pocket. "Can I come? I was gonna let Mr. Andrews shoot."
    Anna was about to snap at Paul when Richard reached out and tousled the younger boy's hair. "We'll do it another day, Paul, when it's lighter outside. After all, remember; I'm older than you, and it would hardly be a fair contest if I couldn't even see the bottles."
    Paul grinned and nodded, as if understanding age had its limitations, and agreed that another day would be better. "You can even shoot from closer if you need to," the boy said graciously.
    "Thank you, but just as you aren't a man to take advantage, I won't either," Richard replied, before turning to offer his arm to Anna. Seeing the thirteen-year-old puff up with pride at the compliment, she was reminded how easy it was to make people happy with just the careful arrangement of words. Remembering her earlier abrupt reply to Richard's suggestions had her feeling a tad bit guilty.
    Lost in her thoughts, she wasn't aware she hadn't taken Richard's arm until he lifted her hand and tucked it into place himself. Blushing, she gave him a smile, her heart racing as the same feeling she'd felt that afternoon coursed through her body. The heat from his hand covering hers had her not making a sound of protest when he stopped at the front door and plucked her bonnet from its hook. Standing still, she allowed him to place it on her head and to tie the ribbons, but she still giggled when he looked her up and down. Then she lifted a foot, wiggling it a bit.
    "Yes, I have my shoes on," she quipped. "Shall we?"
    His chuckle joined hers as he opened the door and led her out of the house.
    They walked past the barn and the corral. The day was just beginning to slide towards twilight. Anna felt unsure of what to say, and remained quiet until she realized where they were going. "Oh, I love the river. I go there all the time!"
    "So I've heard," Richard said, in a tone that had her lifting her head to meet his eyes. They seemed to be dancing, as were his lips—as if he were attempting to keep from laughing. Her face heated instantly as she remembered the last time she'd walked home from the river, her chemise and drawers dripping wet.
    "I was really mad that they took my clothes, and didn't even think about snakes until I heard you mention them," she admitted, her eyes leaving his to dart about the grasses that were parting with their passing.
    "You should be," Richard cautioned, and then told her about shooting the cottonmouth. His free hand reached to cover her trembling one to give it a reassuring squeeze. "Don't let fear keep you from enjoying life, but be prepared as best you can for unpleasant possibilities."
    She nodded, and they talked about how beautiful the land was and how much it had to offer despite its dangers. When they reached the river, he led her to a low hanging tree branch, and when he sat down on it, pulling her onto his lap, it felt both scandalous and wonderful.
    "I'm not quite sure this is proper, Mr. Andrews," Anna whispered, though she did