The Sunstone Brooch : Time Travel Romance Katherine Logan (no david read aloud TXT) 📖

off the railing. “So what started this discussion of Shakespeare?”

He smiled. “I was thinking about Juliet when I saw you standing there.”

“Oh, you are such a romantic.”

He stepped up on the porch and pulled her into his arms for a hug, holding her tight against him. “I won’t see you for three weeks.”

She stepped out of his embrace, put her hand flat on his chest, and gazed up at him. “It sounds like you’re second-guessing your decision to go to Kentucky.”

“I’m second-guessing my decision to leave you here.”

“I was alone for two weeks before you found me. I’m from North Dakota and grew up on a ranch. I know all about cattle and horses. My parents let me explore the Badlands by myself or with a girlfriend. If they weren’t afraid for me, then you don’t have to be, either.”

“But you had a phone—”

“Yes, but there were dead spots where only a smoke signal could summon help.”

“You’re not making this easier for me.”

“You said it yourself. Our rescue party could arrive any day and haul our asses out of here. They won’t care if you want to see your family or that I want to spend time with TR.”

She patted his chest again. “The brooch god dealt us a hand, and we have to play it out. The only way to ensure we both get what we want is to split up. You’re a big boy and can take care of yourself, but that doesn’t mean I won’t worry about you, too. You could get into a gunfight, and I’d never find out what happened to you.”

“I promise I won’t get suckered into a gunfight.”

She reached around his waist to pat the Glock at the back of his hip. “If you believed that, you wouldn’t have packed three guns and a knife.” He was an expert shot, but that wouldn’t matter if he came up against unethical and immoral men with something to prove. “Okay, I admit I’m a little anxious, too, but I’d rather not have you around when I start complaining about being saddle sore or sleeping on the hard, cold ground.”

“That did it.” A smile teased the corners of his eyes. “I’m not going now. I’d much rather hear you complain about the conditions on the trail, so I can say I told you so.”

“You know I don’t require watching over, right? And listening to me complain would get old real soon, even if you get to say, ‘I told you so.’ And you’d get grumpy because you can’t see your family. So there. And besides, roundups are inherently dangerous for inexperienced cowpokes.”

He squeezed her in a tight hug and rested his chin on the top of her head. “You didn’t have to say that. And I’m an experienced rider.”

“Maybe, but moving cows isn’t easy. So what if you worry but don’t obsess?” She squeezed him back, then let go. “I want you to have a great time, and I’ll see you in three weeks.”

“This is your last chance. If you want me to stay, ask now.”

Something came over her, maybe a hint of insecurity, and she wanted to tell him not to go, but she resisted and instead asked, “What time does the train leave Medora?”

“TR said it should arrive late tonight. I should have enough time to buy a ticket and grab dinner.”

She looked over his shoulder to see Mercury tied to the hitching rail. “Did TR ask to buy Mercury?”

“Not yet. He hasn’t had time to inspect Mercury closely, so I’m getting out of here before he does. He’s been so hospitable that I’d hate to be rude and tell him no.” JC looked toward the door. “I better leave. Oh, I left a package of body wipes, toothpaste, toothbrush, and lotion for you in the bedroom under the bear rug. I didn’t know where else to hide them.”

“That was sweet. Thank you.”

“I also left a leather pouch of gold nuggets. Buy whatever you need.”

“A new shirt would be nice, maybe a skirt. But I don’t know when I’ll get to a town. Mrs. Sewall said she has a dress I can wear while I wash my clothes. Then I’ll feel like a new woman.”

“If anything comes up, send a telegram, and if you need me, I’ll hurry right back.”

“I’ll be okay, and if I’m close to a telegraph office, I’ll send you a telegram to let you know how I’m doing. I’d text every day if I could.”

“I’ve never been indecisive, but this is driving me nuts with all the second-guessing.”

“I’ll be with Teddy Roosevelt. I mean, my gosh. I can’t be much safer than that.”

JC lowered his head and shook it while he scratched the back of his neck. “Just because we know what happens to him doesn’t protect you, sweetheart.”

“Don’t call me sweetheart.”

“Okay, darlin’.”

She rolled her eyes. JC was trying to pick a fight, and it was time to send him on his way.

The door opened, and TR came out onto the porch. “Are you ready to leave, Mr. Fraser?”

“I am, as long as you haven’t changed your mind about Mrs. Fraser joining your roundup.”

TR laughed. “I’m looking forward to more literature discussions while I discover if Mrs. Fraser is a backgammon player with an abundance of luck or a player well-versed in strategy.”

“I’ve accepted the fact,” she said with a sigh, “that I’m going to lose games, matches, tournaments, and even money, to players who aren’t as skilled as I am.”

TR threw back his head and laughed even louder. “Now I am intrigued, madam.”

JC stepped off the porch and tightened the cinch on Mercury’s saddle. TR walked around the horse, patting his withers, flank, shoulders, chest, forehead.

“He’s a beautiful horse, Mr. Fraser. Weight’s good, the coat is slick and shiny, and legs are straight and free of blemishes, eyes are bright and clear, healthy breath sounds, no visible injuries or scars.” He stepped back and put his hands on his hips. “I’ll offer you a hundred and fifty dollars for