Promise me tomorrow Read Online Free PDF

and nodded.
    "How are you?" Douglas asked kindly, and Rusty, seeing that the children were not going to answer, spoke up.
    "We're fine."
    "How was the train?"
    "Exciting," Rusty said truthfully. "We saw so much of the country. "
    Although Rusty answered, the rancher's eyes were on the children. That he was nearly moved to tears was obvious. She watched as he cast his eyes about to distract himself and knew the exact moment when he spotted Chase still standing behind them. Rusty nearly groaned when she realized she'd forgotten him again.
    "Mr. Davidson," Rusty said graciously, wanting to kick herself for yet another breach in manners. "This is Mr. Chase Mc Candles. He escorted the children and me today."
    Chase came forward and shook Douglas' hand.
    "It's a pleasure, Mr. McCandles. I've heard of you. I hope you're planning to join us at the ranch."
    "Only if it's convenient. I can stay here in town."
    "Please come," Douglas invited warmly. "We have plenty of room, and it would be our pleasure to have you."
    "Thank you."
    "Can you come out now?" he asked of Chase, but that man only looked to Rusty.
    "Yes," Rusty replied right away. "We have our bags right here."
    "Please come then." Douglas' smile encompassed them all, but his eyes were on the children. "Come out to the ranch; my wife will be thrilled."
    "I know where our bags are," Thomas told him, finally finding his tongue.
    "You do? Well, why don't you show me and
    we'll get them."
    Thomas proudly led the way, and although Lizzy didn't let go of Rusty's hand, she turned to follow their progress.
    Chase took that moment to say softly, "You forgot me again. "
    Rusty's eyes were genuinely contrite. "I did, and I'm so sorry. "
    That he enjoyed catching her out was obvious by the amusement in his eyes. Rusty's chin came into the air, telling him she knew he was having one on her. She might have said something to that effect, but Douglas returned with Thomas, carrying their bags.
    "I'm sorry I don't have the other wagon, the one with two seats," Douglas apologized. "The wheel was broke. But I brought a blanket."
    "The children and I will be fine in the back," Rusty assured him.
    "I'll sit in the back," Chase immediately offered. "You take the seat with Mr. Davidson."
    Rusty felt Lizzy's hand squeeze her own, and before Chase could turn away, she gently laid a hand on his sleeve. He looked down at her, and she remembered that he liked to have his own way. However, Rusty was determined to stand her ground.
    "I will ride with the children."
    Chase opened his mouth to tell her otherwise, but she was already moving to the rear of the wagon. Douglas had put the bags in and jumped up to make sure the blanket was smooth. The children came behind Rusty and she reached to lift them up, but the hands of the men were there ahead of her. Douglas reached for Lizzy and Chase swung Thomas into the back.
    Rusty barely contained a small squeak when she suddenly felt herself lifted off her feet. Without so much as a by-your-leave, Chase had lifted her into his arms and set her into the wagon. Turning, she looked down and found his eyes on her again; her own were rather large.
    "Thank you," she said breathlessly, but he only continued to look at her. Again she wondered what could be on his mind but thought it the better part of valor to turn and join the children on the blanket. She did so, aware that both men stayed close to see that they were settled, and just a moment later they were underway. The children crowded close to her, and Rusty could feel the tenseness in their bodies. As the wagon pulled from the streets of town and started down a long dusty road to the east, she began to pray.
    ***
    The Davidson ranch house was like an oasis in the desert. It was tall and white with a large front porch that sported many flower boxes. The children had both lost some of their fear and now crowded to the edge of the buckboard to watch as they approached.
    The men had talked for the entire trip, and some