He stared at her as if she was crazy. “Do you think you can do that?” He spoke around a mouthful of beans.
“Sure I can. I’ll borrow some of your clothes, and put my hair up. With a hat over it, no one will know.” She warmed to the idea. She could do this.
“Ah, Tori.” He cleared his throat. “What about, your ah, you know?” He waved in the general direction of his chest.
She smiled. “I’ll have Rachel help bind me.”
Flames from the fire highlighted the deep red flush on his cheeks before he sprang to his feet. “I’m turning in now. See you in the morning.”
Tori sat before the fire long after Michael left to sleep. Despite her bravado, her confidence in the entire plan waned. What the devil had possessed her to move them all here to the middle of nowhere, with a broken wagon, and a crazy idea of racing like a lunatic to get a piece of land? Maybe her wise-beyond-his-years nephew knew best, and she shouldn’t compete against a bunch of men. Uncertainties raced around her mind like a fox on the run. Hours passed before she was able to sleep.
****
Not refreshed after a long night of tossing and turning, Tori scooped water from the barrel into the coffee pot. In the dimness of dawn, the four children readied themselves for the day. As Michael worked around the wagon, he continued to cast disapproving glances in her direction.
Hunter yawned and ambled over to the fire to spoon oatmeal into his bowl. “Tori, how are we going to do the land run with a broken wagon wheel?”
“We’ll talk about that when we’re all settled for breakfast.”
Doubts from the night before resurfaced in full force as the children ate. Her stomach rolled, and her head hurt with the beginnings of a headache. She took a deep breath and put her bowl aside before she spoke, all in one breath. “Since the wagon isn’t fixed, I’ve decided to do the land run myself on one of the horses.”
Michael shook his head, and stared into his bowl. He ate in silence while the three other children stared open-mouthed at her.
Rachel leaned forward, her eyes wide. “How can you do that?”
“What will happen to us while you’re running?” Ellie asked in her little girl voice.
“You will all stay here with the wagon. Michael will be in charge. And Rachel, too,” she added quickly when her niece’s eyes narrowed.
“I’m scared, Tori.” Ellie’s chin trembled.
“There isn’t anything to be scared of, sweetie.” Tori got up and gave her a hug. “Michael, Rachel, and Hunter will be here with you.”
“But they’re not grown-ups.” Now Ellie’s voice trembled along with her chin.
“Well, Michael is almost a grown-up. And Rachel is almost a lady.” Tori bent to tuck the dark blond curl always escaping Ellie’s braids.
“I can’t believe you’re going to embarrass us all by racing with a bunch of men.” Rachel’s stance reflected defiance.
“We no longer have a wagon to race with,” Tori snapped. Guilt rushed through her at the hurt reflected in her eldest niece’s eyes. She had to stay calm and reassuring, but keeping peace with Rachel got harder all the time.
“And we can’t give up now that we’re here. I’m going to wear a set of Michael’s clothes, and put my hair up, so no one will know I’m a woman. I’ll need you to help me with—well, I’ll tell you about that later.” Getting to her feet, she clapped her hands. “All right, let’s clean up from breakfast and start working on your studies. You should be able to get a lot done while I’m gone.”
****
An examination of the two horses that had hauled them and their wagon from Kansas didn’t instill a whole lot of faith. Neither of them would make a great racing horse. Chewing on her lower lip, Tori left the horses and walked to the creek to wash before changing into her disguise.
Annoyance stalled her steps when she saw the man from the woods yesterday washing dishes in the creek. With the hundreds of people getting ready for the race at noon, the only empty space remained next to him. Tori knelt and wet her washcloth, averting his gaze, hoping he wouldn’t notice her.
“Still here, are you?”
She clenched her jaw at the sound of his voice. He stood over her, a grin on his face. Now that she saw him without shadows, it irritated her when her heart sped up.
Lord save me from another handsome face and charming smile.
“Yes, I’m still here.” Her voice rose. “And I plan to spend tonight camped on my own lot.”
“Easy honey, I’m not the enemy.” He put his hands up in surrender.
“Don’t call me honey!”
“Sorry.” His smile contradicted his apology. “A woman alone dragging a wagon and a passel of kids will most likely spend the night right outside Arkansas City pushing on her horse’s rump.”
This man had all the nerve in the world. “I will get my lot in town, sir. And I will make a life for myself and my family. Believe it or not, I’ll even do it without a man’s help.” She raised one eyebrow and flicked her fingers at him. “Now I’ll thank you to leave me in peace and mind your own business.” She turned back and mumbled, “And your manners.” She splashed her face with such vigor that water went up her nose, choking her.
A man kneeling on the other side glanced over and tugged on the brim of his hat. “Ma’am, excuse me for interferin’, but if you’re without a man, don’t try to drag a wagon.” He climbed to his feet, and gathered the laundry he’d washed. “A bunch of trains are leaving today right here in Arkansas City, headed for Indian Territory. They’ll fill up fast, but you’ll have a better chance than you would haulin’ a wagon. Especially if you’re headed for a town lot.”
“There’s a train going to Indian Territory?” Tori leaned back on her heels and, shading her eyes with her hand, studied the man.
“Yes, ma’am, The Missouri, Kansas, and Texas Railroad. The first train leaves at eight forty-five this morning. They’ll drop passengers off anywhere along the line, once they cross into Indian Territory.”
“Don’t bother.”
She closed her eyes. The annoying stranger’s voice irritated her ears.
“It’s a stupid and crazy idea. Even if you’re able to get a train ticket, it would be far too dangerous for a woman by herself.”
“Will you please leave me alone, and go about your own business?” Tori stood and dusted off her dress. She needed to leave this man’s presence and be rid of him.
With a bright smile, she nodded to the other man. “Thank you so much for the information, sir. I appreciate your help.”
She turned to glare at the exasperating man, who stood off to the side, grinning. With white-knuckled fingers, she hiked her skirt to reveal dirt-trodden boots. Tori tossed him a raised brow and stalked back to the wagon.
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About the Author
Callie Hutton, the USA Today bestselling author of The Elusive Wife writes both Western Historical and Regency romance, with “historic elements and sensory details” (The Romance Reviews). She also pens an occasional contemporary or two. Callie lives in Oklahoma with several rescue dogs and her top cheerleader husband of thirty-eight years. Her family also includes her daughter, son and daughter-in-law, and twin grandsons.
Callie loves to hear from readers. Contact her directly at [email protected] or find her online at www.calliehutton.com. Sign up for her newsletter to receive information on new releases, appearances, contests and exclusive subscriber content. Visit her on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads.
Books by Callie Hutton
The Marriage Mart Mayhem Series
The Elusive Wife
The Duke’s Quandary
The Lady’s Disgrace
The Baron’s Betrayal
The Highlander’s Choice
The Highlander’s Accidental Marriage
Oklahoma Lovers series
A Run For Love (Jesse & Tori)
A Prescription For Love (Michael & Heidi)
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br /> A Chance To Love Again (Rachel &Rusty)
A Wife by Christmas (Ellie & Max)
Anyplace But Here (Emily & Hunter)
Single Titles
Julia: Bride of New York (American Mail-Order Brides)
An Angel in the Mail
Heirloom of the Heart
Caleb: The Surprise Brides
Daniel’s Desire
Miss Merry’s Christmas
Emma’s Journey
A Tumble Through Time
Choose Your Heart (Honky Tonk Hearts series)
A Little Bit of Love (Three Short Stories)
Boxed sets
Wild Western Women
Wild Western Women Ride Again
Praise for books by Callie Hutton
A Wife By Christmas
“A Wife by Christmas is the reason why we read romance...the perfect story for any season.” --The Romance Reviews Top Pick
The Elusive Wife
“I loved this book and you will too. Jason is a hottie & Oliva is the kind of woman we'd all want as a friend. Read it!” --Cocktails and Books
“In my experience I’ve had a few hits but more misses with historical romance so I was really pleasantly surprised to be hooked from the start by obviously good writing.” --Book Chick City
“The historic elements and sensory details of each scene make the story come to life, and certainly helps immerse the reader in the world that Olivia and Jason share.” --The Romance Reviews
"You will not want to miss The Elusive Wife.” --My Book Addiction
". . . it was a well written plot and the characters were likeable." --Night Owl Reviews
A Run For Love
“An exciting, heart-warming Western love story!" --NY Times Best Selling Author, Georgina Gentry
“I loved this book!!! I read the BEST historical romance last night...It's called A Run For Love.: --NY Times Best Selling Author, Sharon Sala
“This is my first Callie Hutton story, but it certainly won't be my last.” --The Romance Reviews
A Prescription For Love
"There was love, romance, angst, some darkness, laughter, hope and despair." --RomCon
“I laughed out loud at some of the dialogue and situations. I think you will enjoy this story by Callie Hutton.” --Night Owl Reviews
An Angel in the Mail
“…a warm fuzzy sensuous read. I didn’t put it down until I was done.” --Sizzling Hot Reviews
Visit www.calliehutton.com for more information.
Prisoners of Love: Cinnamon Page 12