Boots and Wishes: Ugly Stick Saloon, Book 8 Read Online Free Page A

“There’s no question about it. You can stay here as long as you need to. And we can help you out with money for gas, food or whatever you need until you’re on your feet.”
    Beth pushed her shoulders back and lifted her chin. “I won’t take charity. I can work as long as I can find a babysitter to care for Mia while I do.”
    “Of course. I’m sure we can help you out with that as well. Between me and Jackson, we know a lot of folks in the community. I’m sure someone would be happy to keep an eye on Mia.”
    The frown furrowing Beth’s brow lifted, and she gave Audrey a tired smile. “Thank you. You don’t know how much this means to me.”
    “Are you sure you don’t have anyone you need to contact to let them know where you are and that you’re okay?” Audrey asked.
    Beth shook her head. “I don’t have any family. None.”
    “Okay.” Audrey lifted her hands in surrender. “I just can’t imagine traveling such a long way with an infant so young.”
    “We’ll be fine, won’t we, Mia?” Beth leaned down and kissed the baby’s cheek.
    “She’s a beautiful baby.” Jackson touched the baby’s cheek again.
    “Do you want to hold her?” Beth asked, holding the baby out to Audrey.
    Audrey’s chest squeezed so hard she could barely breathe. “No, thank you.”
    “I do.” Jackson held out his hands.
    Beth laid the infant in his arms, glancing up at him nervously.
    “I promise not to drop her.” Jackson smiled reassuringly.
    She handed him the bottle. “If you brush it across her lips, she’ll latch on.”
    Following her instruction, Jackson slid the milky nipple across the infant’s lips.
    Like a baby bird, Mia opened her mouth and followed the nipple until Jackson slipped it in. With a sigh, she sucked on the bottle, her eyes closed, her tiny fist pressed against her cheek.
    Jackson looked so natural. The towering Native American with his swarthy skin and big hands held the baby like she was made of glass, cradled in his arm, letting her suckle from the bottle. Jackson would be a great father.
    Audrey ached inside and would have turned and walked away if Beth hadn’t stepped up to her and hugged her neck. “Thank you for helping me. I was beginning to lose hope.”
    With a great amount of effort, Audrey pushed aside her own disappointment and hugged the woman back. “You’ll be okay. You’re among friends here. We’ll help you get on your feet.”
    “God bless you,” Beth whispered.
    “Do you have a shower and bathroom facilities in your trailer?” Jackson asked.
    “I do. I have enough water for another day or two. Then I’ll have to get to a campsite for the hookups. I really didn’t think ahead when I left yesterday morning, or I would have filled the tanks and pantry.”
    “Do you have enough formula and diapers for Mia?”
    She smiled. “I have enough for the week. After that…” Beth’s lips twisted. “I suppose the sooner I start earning money, the better.”
    “Don’t you worry about a thing.” Audrey clapped her hands, determined to pull herself together and think about someone other than herself. “I know at least half a dozen women who’d give their eyeteeth to hold sweet Mia through the evening hours while you’re working. And that will leave you all day to spend with your daughter.”
    “That would be a wonderful if you can refer someone to me. I’ve never left Mia with anyone and I don’t know a soul around here.”
    Audrey nodded. “I’d be glad to. For the most part, people are friendly and eager to help.”
    “If you and Jackson are any indication, I’d believe it.” Beth held out her arms for Mia.
    Jackson handed her over, easing the baby into her mother’s hold. “She’s so small.”
    “She was three weeks premature. But she’s up to seven pounds already.”
    “I’ve held puppies bigger than Mia.” Jackson shook his head. “Are you sure she’s old enough to travel?”
    “If I’d had any other choice, I wouldn’t have moved