Rocky Mountain Oasis Read Online Free PDF

cabin.
    “You can clean up in here,” he informed her kindly. He glanced down at her hands and his face softened.
    She realized her double-fisted, white-knuckled grip revealed more than she wanted others to know.
    “If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”
    She nodded mutely, wishing she could think of something to say. As he left, closing the door, she collapsed onto the edge of the bed, her quaking legs unable to hold her upright any longer. She stared at the wall for several minutes before her thoughts began to register coherently.
    She glanced around. This room held a double bed and a chest of drawers.
    A small wash basin sat next to the door, fresh water filling the blue pitcher on the table near it. Light flooded the room from the window in the back wall, illuminating a table and two chairs that sat against the wall across from her.
    Her thoughts wandered to the man who’d met her when she stepped off the stage. He was very attractive. But that didn’t stop the shaking of her limbs as she pulled her dress off over her head. She was thankful that...what was his name? Jordan...? Jason...? She bit her lip. That’s just great. I can’t even remember his name. Well, at least he doesn’t look anything like those dour old men did yesterday . Still, she had found Hank attractive too. A man’s looks had nothing to do with the way he acted.
    Thoughts of the evening ahead assailed her and she glanced at the room’s one window. What would her chances of survival be if she made a run for it? She walked over to it, but the window had no latch and couldn’t be opened. Sighing, she returned to her bag. Your only option is to go through with this. You have nowhere else to go.

    Pulling her hand mirror out of her bag, she examined her reflection, wrinkling her nose in disgust at the dirt she saw on her face. Pouring some water into the basin, she washed her face and arms as best she could and then, seeing no towel, dried them on her petticoat, which mercifully had missed most of the dust. Pulling the pins from her hair she brushed it out, plaited a braid, and coiled it at the back of her neck. Wispy curls fell out and framed her ashen face, but she did not take time to tuck them back in.
    Removing her only other dress from her bag, a dark green full-skirted frock that had once belonged to her mother, she gave it a brisk snap to dispel any dust that might be on it and settled it over her head. It was her nicest dress and she felt thankful that she had decided against wearing it on the trip. The fitted bodice had a V of cream lace that came down to just above the nipped-in waist. The full skirt and puffed sleeves of the dress accentuated her slender curves, and the dark green material made her eyes look like emeralds instead of sapphires.
    After shaking out her dark blue dress, she folded it up and placed it neatly into her bag with the brush on top. She smoothed the front of her skirt with nervous hands. I’ve already taken far longer than necessary. I can do this!
    She opened the door and peeked into the outer room. None of the men were inside. As she started to cross the room, she remembered the daisy. No man had ever given her flowers before. It had been a touching gesture. A spark of hope had sprung to life in her heart when he handed her the daisy, but she had quickly smothered it lest the pain of the inevitable abuse be too much to bear.
    Turning back, she retrieved the flower and then made her way outside into the golden sunshine.
    Conversation ceased as she stepped out and all eyes turned toward her. The admiration on their faces only added to the turmoil in her soul. She had seen firsthand what admiration could do. It was Hank’s admiration of her beauty that had first drawn him to her.
    But this was her wedding day, and she determined to ignore the looks. A gust of wind blew a strand of hair into her eyes. Reaching up with one hand, she tucked the curl behind her ear, her eyes coming to rest on the face of