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

her.” She held the baby up to her shoulder and patted her back until the baby released an air bubble in a whisper of a burp.
    A cool Texas wind feathered across Audrey’s skin. “Are you sure you two will be warm enough in that trailer? The temperature is supposed to drop down into the low fifties.”
    “If I could plug into an outlet, I can run the blower. I have propane for heat.”
    “You feel safe with it?” Audrey asked.
    “I’ve camped in the trailer before. We’ll be okay.” Beth cradled Mia on one arm and touched Audrey’s arm with one hand. “Really, I don’t mean to be a bother.”
    “Dear Lord, Beth, you’re not a bother. I’m worried about the baby. She’s so small.”
    Beth smiled down at Mia. “We’ll be fine. Won’t we, sweetheart?” she repeated as if reassuring herself as much as the baby.
    “Do you at least have a carbon monoxide detector in the trailer?” Audrey persisted.
    Beth glanced up. “No, I don’t.”
    Audrey shot a look toward Jackson. “What happened to the one I bought for the saloon?”
    “It’s probably still in the package in the storeroom where I left it.” Jackson held up a hand. “I’ll get it and install it right now.”
    “Oh please, you don’t have to,” Beth said.
    “It would be my pleasure.” Jackson ducked back into the saloon, leaving Audrey with Beth and Mia.
    Audrey stood awkwardly. “Perhaps you should take Mia back inside. I wouldn’t want her to catch a cold.”
    “It is getting chilly. Won’t you come in?” Beth led the way. “It’s not much, but it’s my home for the time being.”
    Audrey followed, curious about Beth and Mia’s living arrangements. She told herself it was because they’d be parked at the back of the saloon and, since it was on Ugly Stick property, as a business owner, she was liable for her. The truth was she wanted to make sure Beth had adequate accommodations for the tiny infant.
    The small trailer had a stovetop, a single bed at the back and a bathroom so little a man as broad-shouldered as Jackson wouldn’t be able to turn around inside. The recreational vehicle had to be at least thirty years old. Corners and edges were worn smooth and the enamel was chipped in the sink and on the stove. But it was clean and Beth had enough blankets to keep herself and Mia warm. A portable bassinet lay on the floor beside the bed, with a soft crocheted pink blanket folded neatly inside.
    Everything about Mia made Audrey’s breath catch.
    “Could you hold her for a moment while I move things around?” Beth shoved the baby into Audrey’s arms. “Since she just ate, she’ll probably sleep for the next couple of hours.”
    Audrey took the baby because she had no other option. Holding Mia, she was amazed at how light and warm she was. The baby’s cupid-bow mouth moved as if she still sucked on the bottle. Her pink cheeks looked so soft Audrey had to touch one.
    She brushed Mia’s cheek with her fingertip, and it was every bit as velvety smooth as it looked. The sweet scent of baby powder wafted around her, and she felt her knees weaken and her nipples tighten in an instinctive maternal response. Intense longing struck her so hard she could barely breathe.
    So this was what it felt like to be a mother.

Chapter Three
    Jackson stretched out on the king-size bed in the house he’d been raised in and in which he hoped to raise his own children soon. He remembered being a little boy, climbing up in the bed with his mother and father. Back before the twins were born. He’d had his folks all to himself and felt loved and special. When Mark and Luke were born there were just more people in the big bed and no less love.
    He’d told Audrey he would be just fine if it was just the two of them, but he hoped for a little girl with strawberry-blond hair or a boy or two who looked like Mark and Luke when they’d been little. Dark hair, dark eyes and full of mischief.
    After they’d left the Ugly Stick, he knew he had to do