Whispers on the Wind (A Prairie Hearts Novel Book 5) Read Online Free PDF Page B

new partner.
    As the three walked away, their conversation growing quiet, melancholy settled around Hunter’s shoulders. He dug his fingers through his hair, remembering the camaraderie he’d enjoyed on each wagon train he’d led, filled with all sorts of different kinds of people. Down-home, helpful, hardworking, lazy, studious, gullible, and even deviant. He hadn’t figured out what Tabitha was yet. No doubt about it , he thought as he watched them disappear from sight, I look forward to learning more.

CHAPTER FIVE

    W ith a clean, moist cloth, Roberta Brown wiped down the table she’d just cleared, glancing up as a tall stranger walked through the restaurant door. He looked around at the few occupied tables, and then took a seat on the far wall where he’d have a good view of the door. She noticed his wide shoulders and interesting face. For a second, the gun on his hip put her off, but then his gaze met hers and he smiled. An unfamiliar pang made her breath catch. She left the rag on the table, went to the sideboard under the clock, and picked up a menu.
    “Good evening,” she said in her most polished voice as she arrived by his side. She handed him the paper.
    “Evenin’,” he replied, taking the menu, but his eyes didn’t leave hers.
    My, he’s even more handsome up close! Heat crept into her cheeks, and she hoped they weren’t turning red. “Would you like a cup of coffee?”
    “Please.”
    Relieved at something to do, she turned for the kitchen. Pushing through the swinging door, she went directly to the stove, reached for a mug on the shelf above, and poured, noting a slight tremor in her hand.
    “Roberta, is everything all right?” Daisy asked, concern in her voice. The petite seventeen-year-old was stirring a pot of stew, her face rosy pink from the heat of the stove. “Your hand is trembling.”
    “I’m perfectly fine,” she replied, irritated at herself for letting a handsome face affect her so. Widows weren’t supposed to have longings and desires. They were like horses whose race had been run and were now out to pasture. She thought of her late husband, Harvey, and how they’d met over a cup of coffee after church. He’d been tall and handsome, too, much like the man out in the dining room. Her older brother, Frank, had approved of the hardworking farmer and encouraged her to accept his hand. Their years working the land together hadn’t been easy, but they had been years full of love, kindness, and respect. She’d known how lucky she was. Harvey was a gentle man who wouldn’t hurt a flea. He didn’t believe in carrying a gun on his hip, and never had. Not every woman was so fortunate. Janet, her girlfriend from back home, had written over the years with frightening stories of abuse at the hand of her husband. He’d hidden a hardened past from her until after the wedding. Soon, he’d gambled away every cent of their money and ended up in prison, leaving Janet without a penny to her name. Her life had been one of toil and hardships, making Roberta all the more grateful for the caring husband she’d had. And the wisdom of her brother, who’d watched out for her future.
    Daisy, still frowning with worry, went to the door and peeked out into the dining room. “Oh!” she said, a smile replacing her frown.
    “What?” Susanna asked from her position at the break table; she was cutting the last of the biscuits and placing them on a greased baking sheet.
    Having already set the mug of coffee on the counter, Roberta pulled a small tray from underneath. She added a small pitcher of milk, even though she’d forgotten to ask the stranger if he’d like any. Someday, if the right man came along, maybe she’d consider a new marriage. That wasn’t out of the question. “It’s nothing!” She shouldn’t sound so peevish, or the girls would surely think her behavior odd.
    “What’s nothing?” A masculine voice tinged with humor brought Roberta around. Jake, Daisy’s beau, stood at