Rocky Mountain Oasis Read Online Free PDF Page A

this gave Sky the peace he needed to face the decision he had made.
    The stage pulled off the ferry with squeaking wheels and the minister descended. “It’s now or never, old boy,” Sky mumbled to himself as he sauntered toward the coach, twirling the daisy between his fingers.
    He stopped several yards off as a small, dusty hand grasped the minister’s, and a woman stepped down to the ground. She reached one hand up to shade her eyes from the glare of the sun and Sky saw her apprehensive fear. He knew at that moment he’d done the right thing in coming. All his doubts fled. Jason would have thoroughly ravished the enchanting creature before him, destroying her serene spirit.
    She was beautiful. Very beautiful. Her hair, though covered in dust, was a curly reddish-blond. Large blue eyes peered out from a tanned face accentuated by high cheekbones and a full, soft mouth. A vulnerable expression tightened her features, and his heart constricted in his chest. Her uncertainty gave her magnetic charm. He took a step closer. She bit her lower lip, drawing his attention to her mouth momentarily before it snapped back to her eyes. Blinking in the sunlight, she slowly focused on his face, her lips pinched together. She’s scared to death!
    Sky saw the surprise in her eyes as they adjusted to the glare of the sun and came to rest on him. He stepped forward, smiled lightly, and lifting his hat, nodded in her direction. “Ma’am, it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” He held out the daisy like a peace offering, watching her carefully, his eyes never leaving her face.
    She looked down at the flower but did not move for several seconds. Then she took it with one slender hand and glanced back up into his face.
    Lifting the daisy slightly, her generous mouth serious, she said, “Thank you.” The words held the note of a question, and her voice was moderated so low that he almost couldn’t hear what she said.
    Sky felt his heart go out to her as he again realized how apprehensive she must be. He wanted to smooth the fearful frown off her brow, but he simply nodded, and they stood looking at one another. He wondered what she was thinking.
    She was the first to avert her gaze, bringing her hands together in front of her. Her next words captivated Sky: “If you don’t mind...” All color in her face disappeared and something flashed in her eyes. Was it fear? She quickly schooled her features and brought her eyes back to his.
    When she spoke again, her words sounded strained. “I would like to clean up before the ceremony.” A slight lift of her chin and a glint of determination in her eyes dared him to tell her no, yet her chin trembled slightly.
    He carefully kept his curiosity from showing on his face and attempted to put her at ease. “It’s a dusty ride down the grade.” He gestured across the river to the trail she and her fellow passengers had descended and smiled. “I’ve made that trip on several occasions myself.” Holding his hand out toward the log cabin that functioned as the sleeping quarters at Greer’s Ferry, he added, “I don’t mind waiting.” It was the truth. He was still having a hard time believing that he was here, considering marriage. And to a woman I’ve only just met . He wanted a few more minutes to think things through.
    A look of gratitude crossed her face. Nodding serenely, she turned, picked up her small carpet bag, and headed toward the building.

    Brooke sighed in relief, clutching the handle on her bag with both hands as she entered the little log cabin. It had two rooms. The front room contained several bunks, a wood stove, and a long table constructed out of logs sawn in half and laid side by side with the flat sides up. Various utensils hung from pegs above the black stove where a pot of coffee perked cheerfully. The smell of venison stew wafted through the cabin.
    The heels of her boots echoed on the rough plank floor as Jack Greer led her to the second room in the