Charlene Sands Read Online Free Page B

that cried for relief. With a little twist, he turned up the kerosene lamp on his bedstand and picked up another letter. He’d promised Jenna to read them all, and he would. This time he’d read it to the end. The next letter in the batch began:
    My dearest Jenna,
    I do hope this letter finds you well. I think of you there at Twin Oaks often. How brave a woman you are to keep the farm from ruination after your parents passed on. I know it must be difficult and often wish I could be there with you to lend a hand and comfort you. As for your brother, Bobby Joe, well, I will not speak of him in a bad way, other than to say he should be ashamed of himself abandoning you for his gambling ways. He shouldbe there taking on the brunt of the work, making up to you for the evil he’d sent your way. He’s not a man I admire, Jenna. Forgive me.
    And as for Montgomery Farm, all I can say is that I have tried to keep the farm operating, but the soil is plainly worn out. I’ve planted hay and buckwheat where the soil is the most tired in a dire effort for rotation, but you know, sweet Jenna, a farm cannot thrive without its main crop and the grain crops have been poor for three years now. Weeds are hard to keep down and there isn’t the time or laborers to keep the crop from failing yet once again. For the love of the family name I shall continue to try, but I do not hold out much hope.
    I look forward to another of your letters as they are the solace and console I need to sustain my days. You have become a balm to my heart, sweet Jenna.
    Always,
    Blue Montgomery
    He folded the letter, carefully replacing it back into its place in the stack and tying up the ribbon. Jenna treasured these letters; but so far, nothing had sparked even the slightest memory in him. He felt as though he was barging in on another’s thoughts. Yet, he was learning something about himself and more importantly, about Jenna.
    Something had happened between Jenna and her brother. There was reference to it in the letter, but Jenna didn’t have cause to discuss it with him. The light had gone out of Jenna’s eyes when last they discussed Bobby Joe Duncan and he knew then he wouldn’t ask again. When Jenna was ready to trust him with the truth, if that day ever came, then he’d listen.
    It didn’t set well that her brother had hurt Jenna. Tender feelings surged forth; a protectiveness that was fierce in nature seeped into his senses. He didn’t know what to do with these feelings, but he damn well knew if Bobby Joe Duncan showed his face here, there’d be hell to pay.
    Jenna had saved his life. He’d not allow anyone to hurt her again. The feelings overwhelmed him and he stood abruptly and paced the room. Noises caught his attention and he glanced out the window. Light from a slice of the moon put a dim glow onto the barnyard below. He thought he saw movement in the shadows. The barn door opened and from his viewpoint on the second floor, once again movement caught his eye.
    He buttoned up his shirt and put his boots on with two quick effective tugs then headed downstairs. As he approached the barn door, he listened intently.
    “That’s a good mama. You’ve got five little babes here, Button. And aren’t they cute!”
    Jenna?
    He popped his head inside, being drawn to the sound of her cooing voice, and was instantly struck by the sight of her. Wearing a robe of white cotton he’d only caught glimpses of before, with her long golden hair down about her shoulders and framing her face, Jenna turned to him with wide eyes. Two dimples popped out like twin diamonds on a face that positively beamed with joy. The robe split open, revealing a thin chemise underneath and everything male inside him went tight.
    “Blue, look here,” she said softly, the lilt in her voice calling to him. “Button’s had her a litter. Aren’t they the sweetest things you’ve ever laid eyes on?”
    He glanced down at the five scrawny wet kittens and nodded. But his mind was on