Dangerous Heart Read Online Free

lying in the crook of her arm. “Is he not beautiful? My heart sings a new song.” The baby stirred at the sound of his mother’s voice and let out a faint mewing noise.
    Ginger’s heart lurched. “Is he okay?”
    Yellow Bird’s lips curved into a smile. “He is hungry.” She adjusted and pulled at a leather thong at her shoulder, loosening the top of her buckskin dress.
    Ginger’s face heated as the baby latched on and began nursing with greedy, sucking noises.
    She cleared her throat and rose to her feet. “I have things to do.”
    â€œAbout time,” Miss Sadie muttered.
    â€œI’ll be back later, Yellow Bird.” Without awaiting a response, Ginger opened the flap and stepped outside into the chilly autumn twilight.
    Blake Tanner, the wagon master had called a halt for one day in the aftermath of this morning’s attack, followed by the birth of Yellow Bird’s baby. A baby’s birth wouldn’t normally be grounds for losing a day of travel, especially when the group was already a month behind schedule, but Ginger had overheard Grant telling Miss Sadie that Yellow Bird might not live through a hard day of traversing the deep wagon ruts in the worn trail ahead.
    The concern in Grant’s voice had sent a wave of fear through Ginger. She’d never had a real female friend except for Toni Rodden, but Yellow Bird had earned Ginger’s respect when she’d helped save Toni from being kidnapped and sold to a Cheyenne war chief. Was it any wonder she had ignored Miss Sadie’s annoyance and refused to budge from Yellow Bird’s side while her life was in danger?
    Filled with excess energy, Ginger headed for her horse, Tulip. She knew from experience that the only way to release her frustration and relax was to ride at breakneck speed until she felt herself calm down. Tulip released a breath in anticipation as Ginger cinched the saddle tight and climbed on the mare’s back. Besides, after the Almighty had been so good as to answer her prayer about Yellow Bird, she figured she owed Him a little bit of conversation.
    â€œGinger!” Grant Kelley stormed toward her. “Where do you think you’re going?”
    Ginger’s stomach tightened at his tone. He would be telling her she couldn’t go. Well, she wouldn’t stand for it. “For a ride. Not that it’s any of your concern.”
    â€œDidn’t you hear Blake’s orders that no one is to ride off alone today?” His eyes blazed.
    Ginger sent him a fierce scowl. “I didn’t hear any such thing.”
    â€œWell, he said it. Besides, after this morning’s attack, you shouldn’t have to be told. It’s almost dark. You wouldn’t get a mile from here without night setting in. Use your head.”
    â€œI always use my head.” And she resented the implication that she wasn’t. “The moon and stars are bright. I’ll find my way just fine.” Ginger jerked her horse around. After all, she had ridden on her own for two months before joining up with the wagon train. And evaded detection from Grant and his scouts during that time. She could take care of herself.
    â€œYou aren’t going anywhere, you stubborn woman. Blake’s orders. Besides, you know what he said last time you rode off without permission. Do you want to take a chance on forcing his hand?”
    Ginger shifted uncomfortably in her saddle. She did remember. Blake had irrevocably announced he’d leave her behind at the next fort if she disobeyed orders again. In this case, the fort in question was Fort Boise, and they’d be there in a few short days. She had no intention of being left behind. Still, how could she stay cooped up inside camp when the wide open beckoned after such a long and difficult day?
    Besides, she hadn’t heard Blake say anything about folks staying in camp and not riding off alone. And she wouldn’t even consider